Easy Lunchbox Solution- Where to find placemats

Do You put a placemat
in your child's lunchbox?
I do.
We're required to.
It's also a great idea FOR CAMP!
Where do You get just the right-sized
placemats?
I found some by accident-
at Target!
Get SMALL BATH TOWELS,
NOT WASHCLOTHS, washcloths are too small.
But small bath towels are the perfect size.
I got 5 (5 days in a school week)
and they were under $2 a piece.

WOW- That Was Easy!!!!

Recycle Paper for 'To Do' Lists

I keep a notepad in my dining room.
This pad is for keeping track of things
I want to do get done every day-
So I use a sheet of paper every day.
Usually, I go out an buy a pack of small notepads...
Well, I'm out of them now, and instead of going out and buying some new ones,
I'm recycling!
I realized my son has lots of little and big notepads in his playroom.
He likes to play school and loves to draw!
But uses up about half of the notepad and then it gets put in a stack or a pile or on a shelf... and neglected.
SO- starting today-
I'm using one of these notepads, and then another and then another and seeing how long my 'recycled notepads' will last!  I will keep you updated.

Look around Your Home.  Do you have any of these notepads or notebooks that you can use to keep your lists?  See how long you can recycle these notepads!

And let's do ourselves a favor- clean out the used sheets of paper and the cover if it's mangled... keep it nice and neat...

There- You're a Green Mama now... AND You're Organized!

PooF!  That was Easy!

Check This Out! Doesn't this Blog Look Snazzy Now?!

So, What do you Think??!!

Doesn't this blog look snazzy now?!!!

I finally got a blog designer to help me out!

I didn't do this until now for to 2 reasons:

1.  I thought the cost would be too much.

2.  I didn't know where to begin finding a reasonable blog designer.

The answer: DCR Design!

Jo-Lynne, of DCR Design is a Mommy Blogger and Blog Designer.  She is very reasonable, as you can here on her Pricing Page.  And more than that, she's nice, smart, timely and will give you exactly what you want or if you have no idea- she'll suggest different ideas!

It was truly a pleasure working with Jo-Lynne, and so easy, I wish I'd done this sooner!

I like Jo-Lynne so much, I had her snazz up my My Mom Blog, BananaBlueberry too!  Look at my cute button to the right for BananaBlueberry- click on it and look at my other blog too!

And thanks also to Leticia- TechSavvyMama for recommending Jo-Lynne to me!

Please leave a comment or tweet me with any questions-

I'm happy to help!

Look For Companies With Good Records of Customer Service

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today, thanks to our integrated world, you can read reviews of actual customers online- before you buy a product... use this feature!
Pay special attention to Customer Service reviews when buying a product that needs to be maintained, installed, etc.

Here's a Great Example-

My Super-Mommy friend, Kristin, who also shared with us Another Great Linen Closet Solution, saw the HouseHold Tips Blog Discount on Next Day Blinds, and she's given me the go-ahead, sharing her own story about Next Day Blinds...

Kristin ordered blinds from Next Day Blinds, they came and installed them, no problem...

A few days later, a man arrived on her doorstep, introduced himself from Next Day Blinds and asked her if he could inspect her blinds and if she was happy with them.  The blinds were installed correctly, but she told him that she was NOT completely happy with them; AND THAT THIS WAS HER FAULT, not Next Day Blinds; she said the blinds were fine, she just hadn't pictured completely what they would look like kind-a-thing.  She said that the man was very nice and then left.

She got a call the next day from her customer service contact at Next Day Blinds, and the woman informed her that Kristin had been visited by their Vice President, who makes random checks on orders, without any announcement, to make sure customers are happy with their blinds.

Kristin's contact then went on to offer her new blinds, 

even though it was not Next Day Blinds's fault.

What have we learned today?  Customer Service is super important.  Kristin thanked Next Day Blinds, and kept her blinds, she likes them now :)  And she told me that they were completely professional and wonderful, and she'll always go to Next Day Blinds in the future.

... Just passing on some good consumer info :)

Happy HouseHolds!

Tips On Measuring Your Window for Blinds- Last Day of Next Day Blinds Discount

Today we are ending our week of Tips with Step-by-Step
Instructions from The Experts 
at Next Day Blinds!


 ~Beyond color, style and design, the right measurements are key to create the perfect look to outfit your window.  Next Day Blinds has provided us with a step-by-step process to get the perfect fitting blinds. Click Here for Helpful Hints on Measuring That Window Correctly, From Next Day Blinds!~

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!) 

Keep Color in Mind When Choosing Blinds... Next Day Blinds Discount Continues

Hello HouseHold Tippers!
Today, another good tip from The Experts at 
Next Day Blinds!


~When deciding what color palate to use, keep in mind choosing a neutral will help you create a soothing background.  From there, it is easy to add textural elements and bright accents from your personal style to accompany any room.~

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!) 

More Tips on Choosing Blinds... And The Next Day Blind Discount Continues!

Here's Today's Tip from The Experts at 
Next Day Blinds!


~While trends are enticing, don’t fall into their trap; instead let the latest styles act as a guide.  Trends will help decide the direction you want your room to take, but don’t forget to tie it into the classic styles which will allow you to enjoy your blinds for years to come!

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day Week/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers... I have Next Day Blinds in my son's bedroom!)

'Next Day Blinds' Discount Continues- and Tips on Blinds

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today we continue with tips about Blinds.

Lighting in very important to any space-

So why not use natural light??  Adjust how much light you have with blinds...

Here's today's tip from The Experts at Next Day Blinds!

 ~Too much light coming through from the strong summer sun?  Honeycomb shades are a great choice for blocking heat gain.  Plus, their shallow depth makes them a great choice for a door- the door knob is easily cleared with this treatment!

Now for the Discount!  

Next Day Blinds loves HouseHold Tips, so they are offering readers (that's you :) the following discounts this week!!!

 Memorial Day/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610

this promo code gives you the opportunity to take

$100 off $1000 or more,

$250 off $2500 or more and

$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort of your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers.)

Tips For Choosing Blinds- And Next Day Blinds Discount Continues!

This week is all about windows and light

And Blinds!  We're talking about how to choose the right blinds and how different blinds affect the feel of a room!

This is all courtesy of the great people at 

Next Day Blinds!  The Experts at Next Day Blinds are sharing their tips with HouseHold Tips Readers this week, and they've extended their discount to run all through this week to HouseHold Tip Readers,

so read the Tip Below, and use the Promo Code to get your discount on blinds from Next Day Blinds... just for reading this blog :)  

So here it is:

When shopping for new blinds, visualize the atmosphere in the room you want to create.  Are you looking to create a sophisticated setting?  Look for soft roman shades to compliment the space.  For a more basic look, pleated window shades won’t fail you.
(pleated window shades are pictured)


Now for the Discount!  
 Memorial Day/HouseHold Tips Blog Promo code is BY610
this promo code gives you the opportunity to take
$100 off $1000 or more,
$250 off $2500 or more and
$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!






(I have received nothing for this promotion.  Next Day Blinds approached me with this discount and I simply want to share this with you, my readers.)

Discount on Next Day Blinds For HouseHold Tips Readers

Discount!  Discount!  Discount!

Promo!  Promo!  Promo!


The Wonderful People at
Next Day Blinds are
Big Fans of HouseHold Tips Blog!!
So they are offering HouseHold Tips Blog
Readers a Memorial Day Discount!
Next Day Blinds is offering HouseHold Tips Readers the Memorial Day promo code- BY610
giving you the opportunity to take
$100 off $1000 or more,
$250 off $2500 or more and
$500 off $5000 or more!!

You can go to Next Day Blinds for premium quality, custom-made window blinds, shades and shutters.  And they have been around for nearly twenty years!  Next Day Blinds is available in 34 retail locations throughout the Washington Baltimore area, online and through Shop-at-Home design consultations from the comfort your home.  All Next Day Blinds materials are custom-designed and manufactured in Maryland (woo, woo!) to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship!

So if you have been thinking about new blinds- use the HouseHold Tips Promo Code and  

Get That Discount!

This Promo runs through Memorial Day Weekend 2010!

ReUse Plastic Newspaper Bags

Today- a fantastic tip about recycling
and ReUsing those plastic newspaper bags
that your newspaper is delivered in every day.

I take every newspaper bag,
fold it up,
and put it in my son's lunchbox!
He uses this to put any food that he doesn't eat into,
and ties it up, and puts it back into his lunchbox.
(Our school asks that children take home any uneaten lunch so that the school dumpsters will not be filled with food and attract varmints).

What a Great Kinda-Free (you already paid for the paper, I know) Solution to supplying plastic bags for your kids' lunches!

Closet Organization Tips!

Today a tip about closet organization.

It's very important to use ALL YOUR SPACE.

2 EASY ways to do this ARE:

1. Get a 'hanging closet rod'.  This is a closet rod that you just hang from the top one and creates an extra closet rod.  The one pictured on the bottom simply hangs from the top one.  There's no installation.  You're done!

This is especially great for kids' closets since there clothes are smaller!

This is my son's closet.  The extra closet rod creates so much space!

The second tip is this-
2.  Get a 'hanging sweater bag'.  This is on the right side of the picture.  You don't have to put sweaters in here.  I keep his swimming trunks and school gym uniforms in here.  It creates extra shelves in your closet!

I got both of these wonderful closet accessories at The Container Store, you can also check Target; both stores are great for helping you get organized!

Happy Closets Make Happy HouseHolds!

Utilize Storage Space with Shelving

Hello HouseHold Tippers!

Today we're talking about using space.

A Great Way to utilize ALL your space is with shelving.
And a Great Place to do this is in your basement/garage/storage area.
The back portion of our basement is for storage, so I went to
Target, and got 'platinum' shelving,
AND LINED THE WALLS OF STORAGE AREA!
That's right, I lined the walls with storage shelving, all in 'platinum',
and got them in varying heights to accommodate as much storage space as the wall allows.

The amount of room that I created is incredible!

I then did the same thing in our washer and dryer room, down in the basement!

Sports Equipment, all tools, and all kitchen stuff that I don't use regularly (Huge pans, special glasses), fits on these shelves!

Then, in the washer and dryer room shelving I have all holiday decorations (except Christmas).  I have a 4th of July shelf, a couple of Easter shelves... you get the idea.  This makes decorating for a holiday easy- no going up in the attic!

Use Shelving- It Makes Life Easier!

Try Fabric Softener Sheets for Repelling Mosquitoes

We're ending what became 'Bug Week' Here with 1 more
Helpful Hint
about
Keeping Bugs Away!

I first wrote about this last year
on my Mom Blog,
BananaBlueberry...  Here it is:

 I’m sure a lot of you have heard this before: 

Fabric Softener Sheets will repel mosquitoes.  

Instructions say to tie a ribbon of fabric softener around a belt buckle and mosquitoes will vanish.

I looked on the web about this and lots of people say it doesn’t work,

On the Other Hand, my mother, who does a lot of gardening, swears by it;

She wears two sheets when in the garden.

(Try tucking 1 or 2 underneath bra straps).

So the answer is: everyone’s skin is different,

I think, and I'm not a dermatologist, that they work depending on your skin make-up, 

how much oil or dryness, yada, yada, yada...

 so it may work for you,

So give it a try!

Or just use OFF! Familycare, Smooth & Dry- Powder Dry Fomula,

I use this and I love it-

Just make sure you get the Powder Dry Formula!

Get Rid of Bugs Around Your Backyard... and Deck... and Eating Area

Wanna Get Rid of Flies
and Gnats
and Mosquitoes?
Yes, we all do!

Here's your answer!
I first heard about this solution last year, and blogged about it on my mom blog,
BananaBlueberry.  Basically, here's what you do-

Fill up clear plastic bags with water, close them, and sit them on tables, or around your deck to keep bugs away.  Make sure they are in the sun; the light hitting the water is confusing to flies and bugs in general, and creates a prism- creating a bug-free zone!

But wait, there's more!  I looked this up on the web and found a great video about it on eHow...
Put a couple of pennies in the little plastic bags filled with water- this makes the prisms even more confusing to bugs!  Hang them in trees around your party area, or eating area and all bugs will be gone,
again, you'll have a bug-free zone!

** Just make sure to take down and collect the plastic bags when you go inside- we don't want to leave plastic outside that squirrels or birds or other wildlife could harm themselves with!

Happy De-Bugging!

Keep Bugs Away While Gardening!

It's the time of year for gardens, and flowers...

And Bugs!

Here's a great little tip that I just read to keep bugs
AND TICKS off of you while you garden!

*Spray your clothing with insect repellent-

BEFORE YOU EVEN GO OUTSIDE

to garden!*

Thanks to Adrian Higgins of The Washington Post for this great tip!

Pay Attention To Lighting

Today, some discussion about lighting.
Your lighting in a room can make
or break a room.
I just re-evaluated our kitchen lighting,
and, getting tired of the lack of light in our kitchen-
I went to work...

First I got a big circular light that provides a lot of light for the front of the kitchen at Home Depot ($100).

Then I tackled this, pictured to the left- the track lighting.  This is in the back-half of our kitchen.
I had been putting this off because of 'what I thought would be' the hassle, and the expense...
Good News- Boy, was I wrong!
At Home Depot, I spoke with the manager of the lighting department, he told me exactly what I needed- the fixture to attach the lighting, the track, and the lights and lightbulbs- I got it all- for under $100.

Next I called our trusty electricians that we know and had them install it.  They brought a saw and sawed off the track to make it fit perfectly.

And get ready for this- they installed the Big Circular ceiling light and the track lighting in

45 minutes!

And charged me only- $155.

So what is the lesson here?

Nowadays, stores like Home Depot and others, have all the fixtures you need to update your kitchen or anywhere else in your house.  You don't need to go to a very upscale lighting store, which I did, and get intimidated by the prices.  

Next, just ask for help at these stores and they will tell you exactly what you need.

Next, find a good electrician, keep his, or her, number handy,

and call them, tell them exactly what you need done,

AND DO IT.

I cannot believe it took me 2 years to replace the previous lights in our kitchen,

THE ROOM we are ALWAYS in.

Lesson Learned!

So Walk Around Your House... Look at the Lighting.

Do You Have Enough Light in a Room?

Lighting is a GREAT WAY to 'update' a room too!

Go, take that walk :)

Hydrogen Peroxide Gets Out Magic Marker Stains Too!

Hi HouseHold Tippers!

I am happy to report that my favorite cleaning solution, Hydrogen Peroxide-

GETS OUT MAGIC MARKER STAINS TOO!

How do I know this?  I have a kindergartner.

My son accidentally marked up my cotton/denim olive green jeans with NAVY BLUE magic marker... (Super Tips by Crayola, to be exact).  And,

I made 'my solution'

of 

Hydrogen Peroxide plus a little dishwashing liquid,

soaked the stained areas last evening,

and the stains are GONE.

I told you Hydrogen Peroxide ROCKS!

I have yet to find anything,

Hydrogen Peroxide will not get out!

If you have- comment or email me :)

Saving Clothes- one Stain at a Time!

Use Paint As An Accent

Good Morning HouseHold Tippers!

I'm a Big Paint Fan!

Today, another idea and use of paint-

Use paint as an accent to a room!

For example, we have built-in bookshelves in our living room, so I painted just the inside of them.

And then painted just the molding around a door that leads to our screened-in porch!

Using paint as an accent is FAST and EASY!

Plus, you don't have to buy a lot of paint!

And what a nice PoP! it gives a room.

Happy Decorating!

Paint is a Great Decorating Tool!

Good Morning HouseHold Tippers!


Today we're talking about paint.  Paint is a FANTASTIC Decorating Tool!  


Paint is easy and instantly gives a room a pick-me-up!


Paint is cleanable (thanks to this other HouseHold Tip) and looks much more modern than wallpaper.

Just change the shade of paint in a room to update it!

** AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: to instantly update any room re-paint THE CEILING!

And Use, 'Ceiling White'.

Every brand of paint now offers a 'ceiling white' or 'bright white for ceilings' shade of white.  This is an extra white and extra bright shade for ceilings that really opens up the room!

Get out your paint brushes!