From: thekimsixfix.com website:

Today I have a super quick little tutorial for you.  The end product isn’t the biggest, most exciting thing you have ever seen, but sometimes these little hacks are the best tricks!

If you are anything like me, you probably have a bunch of extension cords lying around your house or garage.  Maybe they are neatly wrapped up neatly hanging on a hook, or maybe they are thrown in a box, or maybe you are even organized enough to keep them neat by tying them up with zip ties (which is actually what I have always done when I am planning to store them long term.) But what I didn’t like about the Zip Tie method is that you need to cut off the tie to remove it, they aren’t reusable.

Then one day I was reading my subscription to Family Handyman (hey, some girls like Vogue, I like FH!) and I saw a reader had submitted this cork cord tie in the ‘hacks and tricks’ column.  I was immediately intrigued.  So I ran out and bought all the supplies to make my own.

The actual ‘device’ couldn’t be simpler.  A bungee cord through a wine cork.

I probably don’t have to tell you where to get wine corks. (This project is a good excuse for that glass of Merlot.)  Keep in mind YOU NEED TO USE THE SYNTHETIC RUBBER CORKS.  Real corks will crack and break when you put tension on them. So if you are your palate is too snobby too sophisticated to drink fake-o wine cork wine.. call me.  I can definitely hook you up.

When I made my version I used mini-bungee cords since they were cheaper than buying a roll of the cording itself.  If you were going to make a lot of these, or if you wanted the ties to be longer, you could always buy the actual cording.

Because I bought the cords, I needed to remove the hooks so I cut the knot off one end,

and slid the hooks off (I left the knot on the other end, since I could reuse it.) Next I drilled holes in the wine corks.  

You want the holes pretty close to the center, since you need to ends free to wrap the cord around. Next I pushed the cording through the holes forming a loop on one side. 

I tied the end of the cord that I had cut. And to prevent fraying I singed the end. Burning the tip of the cord melts the plastic and keeps the outer wrapping from unraveling.

The end product:

SOURCE: THEKIMSIXFIX.COM

I found this brilliant DIY article on making your own little first aid kit!  She uses a 98-cent potholder from Walmart, some small plastic bags and a little sewing!

From: lifeawayfromtheofficechair.com:
My daughter will be working at the local YMCA this summer as a summer camp counselor and has to carry some sort of first aid kit with her in her back pack in case one of her campers gets a boo boo. This gave me a reason to make this really cute first aid kit using only a 98-cent pot holder from Walmart, some snack size baggies and a little sewing machine help.

I was able to whip this project up in less than 15 minutes.

I used six snack size baggies. I laid them on the pot holder, three on each side, letting the bottoms of the baggies cross over each other in the center.

I taped each one down to keep them from sliding and then I used a sewing machine and made one single stitch down the center. Then I folded the pot holder in half and sewed a button on it. I used the loop as a button hole but if your pot holder does not have a loop, then just stitch on a piece of ribbon. (It’s really prettier with the ribbon).

You can decorate these any way you want to. I attempted to use a piece of cut ribbon to make a red cross for first aid but I do not recommend it. Just be creative when making yours.

You can use this same idea for sewing kits, travel jewelry holders, or coupons.

SOURCE: LIFEAWAYFROMTHEOFFICECHAIR.COM

June is the start of beach vacation season!  If you’re going to go anyway (I hate sand, so I would buy seashells to make these items) you could collect shells in anticipation of making some of these cute ideas!

Santa Ornaments

Seashell Art

Seashell Wreath

Mermaid Tiara (Get ready for Halloween!)

Seashell Mirror or Picture Frame

So, start collecting those shells! You can find the directions for all these crafts and more at https://craftsyhacks.com/seashell-crafts/

Don’t throw away those used tea bags!  The How Stuff Works website has loads of uses for them!

From: HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM:

There are lots of things you can do with a used tea bag.

Key Takeaways

You can repurpose used tea bags in a variety of ways, including deodorizing carpets, rejuvenating your face, reducing puffiness around eyes, easing sunburns and adding flavor to rice. They can also enhance bath time, clean hair, act as DIY sachets, fertilize plants, deep-clean hands, deodorize smelly areas, help clean pots and pans, make glass shine, marinate meats and even patch up lawn spots. The organic matter within tea bags is rich in potential for upcycling, offering environmentally friendly solutions for common household tasks.

The next time you brew yourself a steaming cup of tea, resist the natural instinct to chuck that soggy bag in the trash. As it turns out, the organic matter within tea bags is chock full of potential for upcycling! Also, the tea bags themselves are no friend of the environment, either, so the more use you can get out of them before they hit the landfill, the better.

Check out these 15 amazing and creative ways to reuse tea bags to their fullest potential. Unless otherwise specified, these are for use with black tea.

1. Deodorize Stinky Carpets and Rugs

Feet and pets wreak havoc on carpets and rugs. Dry out tea bags after use, then rip ’em open and sprinkle the organic matter within on your carpets and rugs. Follow up with a thorough vacuuming. This is an easy, chemical-free way to deodorize floor coverings that won’t cost you a dime extra.

2. Rejuvenate Your Face

Make a DIY face scrub using the contents of used tea bags. All you have to do is put the used tea leaves into a bowl. Then, add a teaspoon (at least) of honey and mix well. Lightly work the mixture into your facial skin, using circular motions. Allow it to sit for five minutes, then rinse and enjoy a revitalized, glowing complexion!

3. Make Eyes Less Puffy

Along the same lines, used tea bags are fabulous at bringing puffy eyes back to normal. Simply soak two tea bags in warm water. Next, place them in the refrigerator and let them cool down for a few minutes. Then, kick back and relax with a tea bag on each eye for about five minutes.

4. Ease Sunburns

Much like with the eye treatment, soak two tea bags in warm water, then put them in the refrigerator. Once cooled off, place the tea bags directly on the site of the sunburn and hold for a few minutes. You can also soak a cloth in the tea liquid and apply that instead. Bonus: This treatment can reduce the pain of insect bites.

5. Add Flavor to Rice

Add a little extra pep to rice (or any grain, really) thanks to a tea bag. Simply place the bag in the pot of boiling water for a minute or two to let the flavor infuse. Then, use that tea-infused water to cook the grain of your choice as normal. Use, for example, jasmine tea to infuse jasmine rice.

6. Class up Bath Time

Who needs pricy bath salts for scent when tea bags work just as well? Pop a couple in your next bath and enjoy a delightfully relaxing aroma. Chamomile, peppermint or jasmine teas would be particularly good for this.

7. Clean Your Hair

Hair products will build up over time, no matter how often you shampoo. To get hair squeaky-clean, simply soak three or four tea bags in a cup of warm water. Shampoo and condition as normal, then finish off by pouring the tea-water over your head. Do not rinse!

8. DIY Sachets

Air fresheners can get expensive. Plus, they don’t really smell all that “fresh.” Stop the endless spraying and turn used tea bags into DIY sachets. To accomplish, dry out some used tea bags. Then, add a few drops of essential oil in your favorite scent. Place them anywhere sachets are typically used, like in dresser drawers, closets or the laundry room.

9. Fertilize the Plants

Tea leaves are nothing more than organic matter, so it only makes sense to use them for gardening! There are a couple of ways to use them for this purpose. Either tear open the used bag and mix the leaves in with the soil, or add them to your composting pile. Note: It’s best to add tea to soil around acid-loving plants, like rosebushes or ferns. That’s because the tannic acid in tea tends to make lower the soil’s pH and increases its acidity, which could pose a problem for plants that do well in neutral to alkaline soils.

Tea leaves can be added to soil as extra fertilizer. Just be sure to remove the tea bag, which is usually not biodegradable.

10. Deep-clean Hands

Some stinky scents really stick to the hands. The next time you can’t seem to scrub away the smell of onions, cigarettes, seafood, etc., turn instead to tea bags. Just use them the same way you would a bar of soap. The organic tea leaves will banish those unfortunate smells in no time!

11. Deodorize Smelly Areas

Some places, like the garbage can or the litter box, are just extra stinky. Cut their “ick” factor way down by tearing open a tea bag and spreading the dried leaves in the can and/or litter box. Another spot that often needs deodorizing is the refrigerator. To do this, put a couple of bags in a bowl in an inconspicuous area of the refrigerator, where they can effectively absorb odors. Replace the bags every few days and enjoy a much nicer-smelling appliance.

12. De-crustify Pots and Pans

If all the scrubbing in the world just isn’t cutting it, leave a used tea bag to soak in that stubborn pot or pan. Tea contains tannic acid, which can break down grease. With a little time and patience, it should make cleaning the dish much easier.

13. Ditch the Glass Cleaner

To make windows and mirrors really shine, simply dampen a used tea bag. Use it to rub the glass surface, then follow up with a paper towel. You can also pour some leftover brewed tea into an empty spray bottle and use it as a glass cleaner.

14. Marinate Meats

Easily marinate pork, chicken or turkey with the help of a couple of tea bags. Simply put a cup of water, two used tea bags and the meat into a zip-close bag. Allow to marinate overnight, then cook and enjoy a flavorful cut of meat.

15. Patch up the Lawn

To beautify those bald lawn spots, place used tea bags where needed, then add grass seed. The bag will keep the seeds in place, unlike regular old dirt. Do this only using biodegradable, non-plastic tea bags, of course. Or open the tea bags and use just the tea leaves.

Tea has been enjoyed for centuries, but the tea bag wasn’t invented until 1908-ish when a New York-based merchant named Thomas Sullivan decided to send tea samples in silk bags to his customers. They incorrectly assumed that the entire bag should be placed in the pot. Thus, the tea bag was born!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I dry the used tea bags before using them as DIY sachets?

To prevent mold growth, dry used tea bags completely until there’s no moisture left before adding essential oils for DIY sachets.

Are all used tea bags safe for composting or use in gardens?

Most tea bags are safe for composting or gardening, but ensure the bags are a biodegradable material and free from plastic fibers to avoid environmental harm.

SOURCE: HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM

I found these eagles on SOCCERBLOG.COM website and they are so cute and so easy to make!

Materials Needed:

Craft foam sheets (brown, yellow & orange)

Large brown pom-poms

Large white pom-poms (slightly smaller than the brown pom poms if possible)

Hot glue gun & glue sticks

Google eyes

Begin by folding the orange craft foam sheet in half. Cut out feet for your eagle on the bend. They don’t have to be perfect, but you are welcome to use the photo below as a guideline.

Using the hot glue gun, glue the large brown pom pom onto your orange foam feet.

Glue the white pom pom onto the top of your brown pom pom.

Cut a small triangle from your yellow craft foam and glue to the center of the white pom pom. This will be the beak.

Glue two google eyes above the yellow triangle beak.

Cut two eagle wings from brown craft foam. Glue wings onto both sides of your brown pom pom. Your eagle is finished!

SOURCE: SOCCERMOMBLOG.COM

I found this article on simplifylivelove.com that shows some clever and simple garden markers you can make now for your garden later!

From simplifylivelove.com:

Metal Spoons

Wooden Spoons

Painted Rocks

Old Can Lids

Popsicle Sticks

Stir Sticks

Mason Jar Lids

Wine Corks

You can find all the directions to make these garden markers at their website:

20 Cute & Easy DIY Garden Plant Markers To Make – Simplify, Live, Love

I found these adorable wood bead bunnies!  They are so simple to make and are quite versatile!

Materials

1 ½“ wood ball knobs

1 ¼” wood ball knobs

Wooden spoons

1 7/8” wood rings (for napkin rings)

Glass jar with wooden lid

Sharp scissors

Glue gun & glue sticks

Instructions

Step 1: Place a dab of hot glue on the flat bottom of the smaller bead, then glue it to the top of the larger wood bead. This forms the bunny’s head.

Step 2: Cut the wood bow tie piece in half with sharp scissors. Attach the two pieces to the back of the smaller wooden bead. This forms the bunny’s ears.

 For Candy Jars: Use hot glue to attach the wooden bunny to the top center of the candy jar lid.

You can leave the bunnies raw wood or paint them. Totally depends on your personal preference, but I couldn’t resist showing you how cute they look painted.

SOURCE: thecraftpatchblog.com

Spring is the perfect time to begin lawn and garden projects!  This article from thegardeningcook.com shows you how to get started.

From thegardeningcook:

These early spring garden projects will get a jump start on your garden and will get you outside too! From lawn care ideas to tips for growing perennials in the spring, i’ve got you covered. I know that in most parts of the country, the ground is still covered with snow, but as any good gardener will tell you, “it’s never too early to start thinking about spring gardening!” Spring is just around the corner and daylight savings on the horizon, so now is the time to think of getting our gardens ready. Are you like me in the late winter?  As soon as the sun starts to shine and the temps go up a bit, I seem to feel that urge to get out there and do something. Many times though, it’s far too early to plant anything. However, there are lots of things that you can do to get ready. 

Get your garden ready now with these early spring garden projects

1. Prepare for early lawn care

This is at the top of my early spring garden projects for a reason.   A lush, green lawn is such an important part of a great garden.  We all enjoy entertaining in the summer, and a wonderful lawn adds so much to the atmosphere of your garden setting.  Early spring is the time to take stock of the condition of your lawn after a winter of it not growing.  It will show what needs to be done to get it ready for spring when you can easily see the problems lurking there. I have a lot of lawn area and the back yard has quite a few weeds growing.  It definitely needs some TLC in the spring. I’ll start by raking my lawn early in the spring to remove dead grown and winter debris.  This brings light as well as air to the soil, which encourages the grass to grow.  Now is the perfect time to care for your lawn.  Don’t wait until the heat of summer hits.  When you are hosting a barbecue party in summer and your lawn is lush and green, you’ll be glad you started now.

2. Clean and repair birdhouses

Some birds visit us all year round here in NC and many really start visiting when the weather starts to turn warm.  Now is the time to check the birdhouses.  Make sure they are firmly mounted. Clean bird feeds and fill them with fresh seed, once they are dry.   Consider creating a pile of nesting materials in your yard where the birds can easily take stuff to make their nests. This little bird house needs a makeover this year.  It belonged to my mother who died last year and I will treasure it once I fix the damaged parts.

Now is the time to clear away the junk

One of my most needed early spring garden projects is cleaning up after winter.  Winter can be hard on a garden.   All sorts of garden debris and other refuse seems to gather everywhere around the yard.

3. Clear away refuse

Check the drainage ditches and walk around your yard to see what can be gathered and put out for garden refuse pick up. Our local authority allows me to put yard debris out every week and I have a whole row of old trash cans just waiting for this job.  Plants and lawns grow best in soil that drains well, so gather up those leaves, gather the weeds, and clean out the drainage ditches!  If you have a compost pile, even better.  I use a rolling compost pile. It is not very pretty, as this picture shows, but it is VERY easy to turn and all that yard refuse will turn into “black gold” that will work miracles in my garden and on my lawns. This pile is just LOADED with rich hummus under all the refuse.  Dumping my winter time yard refuse on this pile makes the clean-up part quite easy.

4. Tend to the bird baths

My bird baths are often discolored by the end of the winter.  They all need a good cleaning and scrubbing and then need to be refilled with water.

5. Think spring bulbs

Many spring bulbs start sending up leaf shoots during some warm winter days and then suffer a bit from a cold snap by getting brown edges to the leaves. The bulbs are just fine, they need the cold before they start sending up the flowers, but you can trim the leaves a bit to tidy things up.   While you are at it, make a sketch of where the spring bulbs are and put it in your gardening planner.  Once they have stopped growing, it will be hard to know where to plant your perennials without a sketch showing you where the bulbs are underground.

6. Check your mulched areas

This job is at the top of my must-dos of early spring garden projects. I have 9 large garden beds so I spend a lot of time (and money) on mulching every year.  And no matter how nicely the mulched areas looked last fall, there are still areas where the mulch has degraded or (it sometimes seems) just plain disappeared!  Add composted leaf mulch to the bare areas so that the weeds that we all know are lurking there won’t be able to grow as easily.

7. Check your outdoor seating areas

Last year, I bought new patio cushions for my seating area which rests under a huge Magnolia tree. By mid-winter, the cushions were a green mess and I honestly thought I would need to throw them away. But I threw them in the washing machine with some spray on stain remover (it took two washes) and they look almost like new.  Note to self:  Next year, put the patio cushions in the shed in the fall!  One of my summer projects for this seating area is going to be to sand the seat and bench and give it a fresh coat of paint in a dark green color. Stay tuned for the transformation.

8. Touch up yard decorations

Of all of my early spring garden projects, this one is my favorite.  I love to add decor to my garden.  Do you have some yard decorations that will need a touch up to look their best for spring and summer?  I have an old mail box that I salvaged from a make-over that I did last summer.  I plan to use to hold my gardening tools, and have a garden decoration too.  It’s very rusty, but will make a great project for early spring when I can’t actually be gardening. I plan to paint it and stencil on the side. It will make a lovely yard decoration when done.

9. Cut back ornamental grasses

I let my Japanese Silver grass get very tall in the winter because it sends up beautiful plums above the plant. But early spring is the time to cut it right now to about 6 inches to encourage lush growth during the spring and summer. If I leave this plant for even a few more weeks, ALL of these fronds will be covering my garden bed.  Now is the time to prune them.

10. Scrub those clay pots.

Clay pots get very dirty if they are left out over the winter. Now is the time to soak them so that they will be ready for the plants when the weather is warm enough for them to be planted.  

11. Cut back perennials

 Sometimes I do this in the fall, but more often, I leave this chore for the early spring, to keep some seed pods for winter birds. Perennials can be cut back almost to the ground level in most cases without hurting them at all.

12. Prune your roses

 In most cases, you will be pruning your roses just as the plant will be breaking the winter dormancy.  In warm climates, like NC, this will be fairly early in the year, just after the last frost.  Roses bear flowers on last year’s wood.  Trim off any old, dead canes. Be sure to prune so that the center of the bush is open for best air circulation.  

13. Remove dead wood

This goes for roses but also for other trees and shrubs too. Nothing will grow from dead wood, so get rid of it.  This goes for most suckers too. They sap the life from your plant and should be removed.

TIP:  If it is too early for you to prune shrubs, you can still inspect the plants. Take some ribbon with you and tie it where you want to prune once the weather warms up. So get out those garden gloves and your pruning shears and get rid of the dead wood. You’ll be glad you did come summer time.

14. Spring weeding

Even though I have it listed as #14, weeding is at the top of my list for early spring garden project. Weeding can the bane of my gardening life, if I let it be. Each year, I say that I am going to pull up weeds during the winter on warm days, and each year, I neglect this. But early spring is a good time to weed as long as the ground is not too wet, AND it’s the best time to do this job. The roots of the weeds are shallow and they will come out easily this time of the year.   This border that I planted late last summer looks as though it needs some TLC l right now, but those weeds will be out in less than a half hour and the bed will be beautiful.

15. Early spring Vegetables

Many vegetables thrive when planted in the early spring because they love the cooler weather. Some popular ones are English peas, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Here in NC, these plants don’t do well in the summer at all, so early spring is when I have to plant them if I want to grow them.  See my list of cold hardy vegetables here.

16. Check your lawn edges

 Inspect plastic lawn edging to see if it needs replacing.  If you edge manually with trenches, now is a good time to tidy these up so the edges will be ready when the lawns start to grow. Doing it early means that the edges will only need cutting into soil, not into lawn that is encroaching into the borders.

17. Start seeds indoors

Get a head start on spring but planting seeds for flowers and vegetables indoors.  I have a large plant stand that sits outside during the spring and summer. During the winter, it sits in front of my glass sliders and gets southern sunlight. It is the perfect spot for my plant cuttings and seed starting efforts.

18. Divide perennials

One of my favorite early spring garden projects is to divide my perennials.  Early spring is the perfect time to divide perennials. Many of them really benefit from being divided for best growth. Either plant the divisions in another part of your garden, or share them with some of your plant loving friends.

SOURCE:  THEGARDENINGCOOK.COM

We all know the struggle: You’re cleaning out your food storage drawer and somehow have way more lids than you do containers. If you can’t find the bottoms to those tops, don’t throw them away! Surprisingly, there are many uses for plastic lids, besides being just a container cover, that can help you around the house. From moving furniture to outsmarting batter splatters, these toppers and more. Keep scrolling for all of the brilliant ways your plastic lids can save you time and money around the house.

1. Avoid a plant watering oops

The new houseplant you picked up is a beautiful addition to your home. The only problem? The hole at the bottom of the pot keeps dripping water all over your windowsill. Dodge the mess by placing a plastic storage container lid under the pot. The lid’s ridge will catch any drips and keep water from spilling onto your windowsill.

2. Uses for plastic lids: Move furniture sans scratches

You want to rearrange your living room after getting a new chair but worry about the legs scraping your floors. What can help: Place a plastic lid under each leg of the furniture before moving it. The lid lets you slide it easily without harming the floor. Bonus? This works on carpet too!  “Using a plastic lid as a slider is an excellent way to save money and your back,” says Sara McDaniel, an interior designer, home renovation expert and owner of Simply Southern Cottage. “Furniture sliders are quite popular, but plastic lids would serve the same purpose and you likely already have them in your pantry.”

3. Tangle-proof a ball of yarn

The last time you knitted a scarf, you ended up with rolls of tangled yarn. Next time: Cut an X in the center of a plastic storage container lid, then thread the yarn through. When you pull the yarn, the slit in the lid will help loosen up any tangles and keep new ones from forming. Or, if you have a leftover iced coffee to-go cup, just use the lid’s straw hole! Easy!

4. Uses for plastic lids: Clog-proof your bath drain

Whenever you bathe Buster, his fur gets caught in the drain and you’re worried about an eventual clog. Don’t have a drain cover? Poke a few small holes through a plastic lid and place it over the drain. Turn on the water and hold the lid until it is suctioned to the tub’s surface, then wash Spot as usual. The holes allow the water to drain while the lid catches your dog’s stray hairs.

5. Easily corral earrings

If you’re tired of digging through your jewelry box to find your favorite hoop earrings, leftover plastic lids can help. Simply grab a sewing needle, poke several holes in a plastic lid, then slide the end of each earring through. You’ll be able to find the pair you need in no time!

6. Uses for plastic lids: Paint without messy drips

“As a home renovator, paint is a big part of all of my projects and I’m always getting paint in places it shouldn’t be,” sighs McDaniel. Her secret to making any paint job neater: Cut a slit in a plastic storage container lid large enough to slip a paintbrush through. “As you paint, spills and splatters will be caught on the lid, keeping the paint contained and reducing messes.”

7. Ward off any rust ring stains

While deep-cleaning your shower or tub, you notice rust rings left from a shaving cream can. To avoid them from forming in the future, just place any plastic lid under metal cans you keep in your shower. The lid will act as a buffer between the tub and the canister, so there are no unwanted stains left behind.

8. Uses for plastic lids: Slice food in half the time

You love adding fresh grapes to your chicken salad, but cutting each one individually takes so much time and effort. “Every day we are looking for ways to save time while cooking without compromising quality, and this tip will help,” says Gabriela Pollack, owner of New York-based chocolate shop Brigadeiro Warehouse: Carefully arrange them close together in one layer on a plastic lid. Then cover with another plastic lid of the same size. Gently hold the top lid down to keep the fruit in place, then slide a knife between the lids. “Just make sure to use a sharp knife,” she warns. Remove the top lid and voilà — you’ll have perfectly sliced grapes for your salad in seconds. No hassle required!

9. Scrape away frost in a flash

Nothing is worse than losing your scraper while your car windshield is covered in frost and you’re running late. To the rescue: a plastic lid! Use the side of the lid to scrape the frost off the window. The soft plastic won’t scratch the glass as it quickly clears away the frost, making your winter mornings a breeze.

10. Uses for plastic lids: Outsmart batter splatters

Using a hand mixer to whip up cupcakes saves you time and energy, but one little misstep means you’re covered in batter, and so is your counter. Shield it all by using a plastic storage container lid. Just cut two small X’s in the top of the lid, then slide the mixer’s attachments through the slits; attach them to the mixer’s body. The lid will act as a shield and keep batter from getting on your clothes and counters.

11. Protect breakables in the dishwasher

You were so careful when you placed your wineglasses in the dishwasher, but somehow one broke during the cycle anyway. To keep this from happening again: Slide a plastic lid between each delicate glass in the dishwasher. The lid will stabilize the glasses so they’re less likely to shift, plus act as a barrier in case other dishes move.

12. Uses for plastic lids: Outsmart sticky honey drips

Even though you wipe your honey jar before putting it away, dribbles sometimes go unnoticed and leave your cupboard shelf sticky. Prevent this by placing a plastic lid underneath the bottle after each use. The rimmed lid will catch any drips, ensuring your cabinet stays clean.

13. Ward off accidental hammer dings

Oops! Last time you hung a photo, you missed the nail and left a dent in the wall. Next time, cut a hole that’s slightly larger than the nail in the center of a plastic lid, then slide the nail into the hole and start hammering as usual. If the hammer slips, the plastic will protect the wall. When you’re done, simply slip the lid off.

14. Uses for plastic lids: Securely close a ­garbage bag  

When you can’t find a twist tie — and there isn’t enough room at the top of the trash bag to tie a knot—enlist the help of a plastic lid. Using a knife or scissors, carefully cut a small X into the center. Twist the top of the bag, then slide it through the slit until it can’t go any further. The lid will bind the plastic together so the garbage bag will stay closed until pickup.

15. Safely scrape nonstick pans

When food particles get stubbornly stuck to your “nonstick” cookware, try using a plastic lid to scrape off the mess. Push the lip of the lid downward against the pan and repeat until all of the cooked-on food is removed. The firm plastic along the edge will get under the grunge so it easily comes off without damaging the pan’s finish.

SOURCE: FIRSTFORWOMEN.COM

New Hampshire is yet another state that has the white-tailed deer as their state mammal.  Lacking any new information about the deer, I thought I’d go in another direction—a crafty one.  Did you know you can make things from the antlers?? Deer naturally shed these yearly so, if you’re lucky, you can find some discarded antlers in the woods.

If you find a lot of antlers, you can make this wreath.

Or, perhaps this chandelier.

Maybe this deer whistle is more to your liking.

You can find the instructions for these crafts and other craft ideas at brightstuffs.com.