15Jul / 2011

10 Tips for a Perfect Road Trip

DSCN6018
Road trips can be times of transportation bliss or the stuff of nightmares. Protect yourself from the Are-we-there-yets and the Do-I-have-to-turn-this-car-arounds with these tips for a perfect road trip.

1. Anticipate needs. Being prepared for all manner of road trip woes will, ironically, prepare you from being woeful. Stock your car with the following: jumper cables, washer fluid, first aid kit, wet wipes, napkins, sacks for garbage, air-tight sacks for carsickness, water bottles, chargers for phones and electronic equipment, as well as extra straws and plastic utensils.

2. Share the playlists. Let everybody take turns playing DJ on the trip. Have kids prepare mix CDs or iPod playlists ahead of time and then give everyone equal time to share their tunes. Schedule in time for peace and quiet, too!

3. Play podcasts and books on CD. A great way to entertain everyone and help the time pass is with podcasts or books on tape. Most podcasts are free to download, and most libraries offer a great collection of books on CD.

4. Give the kids the camera. One of the best ways to keep kids entertained on a long road trip is to let them use the camera or video recorder. Let them snap shots from the trip from their perspective. What catches their eye? It’s a great peek into their minds when you upload the photos. If you have a small video recorder, kids can interview each other or channel their inner Spielbergs by creating a feature film for the family. (All buckled in, of course.)

5. Be an early bird. Strange but true, a road trip feels significantly shorter if you leave early in the morning. You’ll usually avoid traffic problems, make the most of daylight, and arrive with a fair amount of energy at your destination.

6. Have a variety of snacks. Save money and time by stocking a variety of easy, portable snacks in the car. I like a mix of savory and sweet items, fresh fruits or veggies, as well as a little bit of indulgent candy and junk food. Buy or pre-package your food in snack-sized bags to keep messes and overeating at a minimum.

7. Check roadways for construction, delays, and detours. You’ll thank yourself again and again for doing an online search of the major roadways you’ll be traveling to check for possible problems. Knowing ahead of time will save you the agony of beating your steering wheel in frustration in a traffic jam or back-tracking when you encounter a major detour.

8. Reward good behavior with new activities. A great trick with little ones is to keep a bag of tricks at the ready: games, puzzles, videos, books, etc. Instead of giving them several different options, tell the kids what you’ve planned first. Reward their participation and good behavior with another activity at the top of the next hour. They’ll love the surprise element, and you’ll be surprised how quickly time will pass.

9. Comfort is key. Loose, comfortable clothing is a must for all passengers. A layering element (sweater or scarf) helps when passengers disagree on the temperature inside the car. Small travel pillows and blankets are also a great idea and encourage blissfully quiet naps.

10. Do the math for the gas. Your car will get different mileage on a long road trip, compared with the everyday stop-and-go traffic you might be used to, so keep a watchful eye on the gas gauge. At each fill-up, calculate your mileage and estimate (conservatively) when you need to refuel. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, ask an attendant where the best places are to stop along the way. It’s also a good idea to check your oil level and tire pressure at each fill-up to maximize your gas mileage.

Those are my best tips. What are yours? Share them in the comments section!

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11Jul / 2011

How To: Make a Terrarium

MF Terrarium

Like a miniature enchanted garden, terrariums are a decorative, attractive, and easy way to bring the outdoors inside. They are perfect for urban areas, screened porches, and anywhere that could use some green. Creating and maintaining your own terrarium is a fun creative process and easier than you think!

Containers
Nearly any water tight, clear glass or plastic container will do. Look for interesting shaped jars, vases, and even lanterns to create your terrarium. (Scour thrift shops and antique stores.) If you live in a dry area, you’ll want a lid or a door that closes. If you live in a humid area, it’s better to have an opening. A closed terrarium functions by creating its own ecosystem as the plants release moisture, which condenses inside the container and trickles back into the soil. An open terrarium in a humid area works the same way. An open terrarium in a dry area is perfect for cactus and succulent plants.

Plants

Almost any plant will thrive in a terrarium. Slow growing plants are best for those who want low-maintenance terrariums. Fast growing plants will require frequent trimming (think bonsai), which can be therapeutic if you’re looking for that. Using a combination of plants works great, too. Ask your local nursery for advice when selecting plants.

Planting Instructions
Place a 1/2 inch layer of gravel on the bottom of the container. Sprinkle a layer of activated horticultural charcoal on top of the gravel. Top with potting soil and then your plants. Be careful not to crowd the plants. Add a little water, but not too much. (1/8 cup of water is plenty for a larger terrarium with 4 – 5 plants.) Add decorative elements such as twigs, pebbles, pieces or bark or anything else you like.

Care

Place your terrarium in bright, indirect light. Err on the side of under-watering your plants, rather than over-watering. Most terrariums can go 1 – 2 weeks between watering. Water directly at the base of plants. When the lid is in place, you may see some condensation appear. This means the terrarium is doing its job! If droplets form on the top, there is too much water inside. Remove the lid for a day or two to dehumidify.

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05Jul / 2011

15 Best Yard Sale Tips

If you’re ready to clear out some clutter and make a little cash, a yard sale is a great way to go. Use these tips from the pros to get the best results.

1. Do your homework. Check with your neighborhood and city regarding any signage restrictions. In the weeks before your sale, visit other yard sales to see what works best (and what doesn’t) regarding pricing, staging, and signage. Be sure there is parking available for at least four or five cars.

2. Advertise online and in the local papers. Utilize social media too. Create signage signage that is large, legible, and consistent. For example, use the same neon-colored posters, the same bold handwriting or font, and simple directions such as arrows to guide your traffic to your door.

3. Beware of early birds. Many yard sale connoisseurs try to show up early, sometimes hours early, to get first pickings. This can be a hassle, especially if you’re trying to set up. If you don’t want to be bothered, be clear in your advertising: NO EARLY BIRDS!

4. Organize your items like a department store and staff it accordingly. This makes it easier for shoppers to shop and more likely to spend. Keep like items together and display them as nicely as possible. Sell books on bookshelves, clothing hanging, and furniture displayed as if on a showroom floor. If you’ve got a lot of merchandise, make sure you have help to answer questions and stave off shoplifters. Have everyone working the sale wear the same colored shirt.

5. Be smart with your pricing, and mark everything clearly. A good rule of thumb is to price things 1/4 to 1/3 of their original cost, and then be willing to negotiate down from there. Psychologically, yard sale shoppers expect to pay less than the marked price, so price things slightly higher than the price you hope to fetch.

6. Carry change. Wear a carpenter’s apron or fanny pack with your change, around $100 to $200 in Tens, Fives, Ones, and some quarters. Never use a cash box as they are a target for thieves.

7. Disclose issues. If the rewind button on the VCR doesn’t work, put a small note on it disclosing the information. Customers appreciate the honesty, and are just as likely to buy when they know something isn’t in perfect condition. If you fail to let people know potential problems, you run the risk of having them show up on your doorstep later. Remember, they know where you live.

8. Place the cashier table at the back. Again, thinking like a department store, make your customers walk past more merchandise to reach the cashier table. They’re more likely to pick up an extra item or two on their way to pay.

9. Offer extras. Have a supply of grocery bags or boxes to aid your shoppers at checkout. Consider offering a bottle of water, soda, or a freshly baked cookie. A jar of lollipops is a great treat for patient kids. Tentative shoppers will be impressed and more likely to buy.

10. Polish and spruce. You’ll earn more money for items that are clean and look ready to use. Use a can of disinfectant wipes to wipe down dusty, dirty, dingy items and give them a fresh look. Hose down bikes and dirty outdoor toys.

11. Avoid holiday weekends. It might be tempting, but big holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) are bad dates for yard sales.

12. Have electricity available. If you’re selling anything that requires electricity, have an extension cord available for shoppers to test things before buying. If you have a TV or stereo for sale, have it turned on during the sale and watch it fly.

13. Involve other friends and neighbors. A multi-family or neighborhood yard sale attracts a lot of traffic, so invite others to join in to share in the preparation and profits.

14. Quantity pricing. One of the best ways to sell a lot of smaller individual items is to offer specials for bulk purchasing. Fill a bag of clothes for $5, take 10 books for $5, etc. This is a great way to move CDs, magazines, and small toys.

15. Give the rest to charity. Make clean up a breeze by arranging for a charity to pick up anything that hasn’t sold at the end of the day.

Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments section.

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01Jul / 2011

To Do: Have a Bike Parade

Image via Martha Stewart

One of my favorite ideas for the long Fourth of July weekend is to organize a bike parade in your neighborhood or community. There is nothing more fun or adorable than a swarm of giddy kids on fully festooned bikes and wagons riding down your streets. It’s guaranteed to get everybody geared up for a good time!

Tips for organizing your own bike parade? You bet!

Plan a simple route that will interfere the least with daily traffic, but still draw a crowd. A half-mile to a mile loop is a great length for a parade route, and the morning hours between 9:30 and 11:30 are the least busy in most areas.
Get the word out electronically for the fastest, most effective distribution. Use e-mail, text, and facebook to spread the word to your neighbors and community and ask them to spread the word. (Remember privacy issues and don’t disclose unnecessary information!) Invite them to deck out their bikes in red, white, and blue and join in the fun. You might also invite them to bring bottled water and a treat to share after the parade.
Invite participants to gather at least a half hour early. This will allow time for photos, chatting, organization and relaying information to parade riders.
Have an emergency kit ready for kids or bikes. Keep tears at a minimum by keeping a small emergency kit on hand in the event that a child or a bike takes a spill: alcohol wipes, ointment, bandages, duct tape, twist ties, and clothespins.
Sandwich the parade with adults. For safety, be sure that adults are leading the parade as well as drawing up the rear with all the kids safely inside! Equip someone at both ends with a whistle to signal a problem or a stop.
Notify the media. Let your local paper or news station know of your plans. Few things are more fun for kids than seeing themselves in the paper or on TV.
Take lots of photos. Lots and lots.
Don’t forget the music. Bring a stereo along to blast out some parade-worthy tunes.
Refresh! At the end of the loop, break out the bottled water and refreshments—the perfect end to a bike parade!

Image via Martha Stewart

Have you participated in a holiday bike parade? What worked and what didn’t? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Plus, download free bike decorations here.

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24Jun / 2011

How To: Pack a Perfect Cooler

Most of us don’t think about a better way to pack a cooler until we’ve retrieved (and suffered through) a soggy sandwich from the slushy bottom of one. Let me spare you that horrible experience with some cooler packing tips from the pros. I can guarantee, as you read these, you’ll smack your forehead at least once or twice and say, “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?” (At least that’s what happened to me.)

Two Coolers Are Better Than One. Assign one “wet” cooler and one “dry” cooler for your food. The wet cooler will store drinks and the dry cooler will store perishable food that should remain dry.

Label It. Every time a cooler is opened, cold air escapes. A simple strip of masking tape can help everybody remember which cooler has the drinks and which has the food.

Cold Start. Chilling drinks in advance will keep your ice lasting much, much longer. Freeze your bottled water before putting it in, serving two purposes—more ice and fresh cold water upon thawing. This also works with meats for your dry cooler.

Cold Air Travels Down. We all know that heat rises, but few of us realize the counterpart, that cold air travels down or “sinks.” Put your ice or frozen gel packs on top of your drinks and food for optimum cooling.

Choose Your Chill. Crushed ice works best for drinks, but block ice or reusable frozen gel packs work best for dry foods.

Contain Yourself. Keeping your food in air-tight plastic containers will make it easier to pack and stack neatly, and also protect foods from that pesky sloshy water.

Take Its Temperature. If you’re going to be storing perishable food (dairy, cut fruit, egg products, or meats), especially for several days, pack a thermometer in the cooler to ensure that the temperature never dips below 40 degrees. If you’re getting close, it’s time to replenish the ice.

Pack It Tight and Full. Empty space in a cooler is an invitation for warm air to stay once the cooler is shut. Keeping your cooler stocked full and tight will leave no space for ice-melting air.

Stay in the Shade. You cooler does a better job when it doesn’t have to fight the elements outside. Keep it stored in a shady, cool spot for best results.

Drain and Drain Again. For extended trips, drain any melted water from the cooler at least once, but ideally twice a day. Water speeds the melting process of the ice.

Try a Hot Cooler. It sounds like an oxymoron, but your cooler can also be used to keep hot foods hot. Place heat pads or reusable hot packs, wrapped in kitchen towels at the bottom of the cooler. Pack warm foods on top, filling any extra spaces with kitchen towels to keep the heat contained.

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02May / 2011

Warm Weather Closet Tips

The temperatures are on the rise and it’s time to put those winter sweaters, scarves, and wooly wearables in hibernation to make way for your warm weather wardrobe. Here are a few great tips for keeping the revolving door of your closet running smoothly.

Don’t Mix. If you’re not in the habit already of rotating your closet, I highly recommend it. Think of your closet as your own personal boutique, featuring only the current season’s wares. Not only will you be able to see and therefore utilize each season’s entire pickings, it feels like getting an entirely new wardrobe each time you pull out the next season’s storage because it’s amazing how you forget some of the great things you already have!

Use the Six-Month Rule. As you pack away your winter clothes, be honest with yourself and toss out anything you haven’t worn at least once in the last six months. (And by “toss,” I mean give away to charity.)

Repair as Necessary. If your favorite sweater has a snag or tear, or your jacket is missing a button, keep those clothes aside and repair them before putting them away for the season. It will be a gift to yourself next season when you pull out your fabulous, ready-to-wear favorites next fall.

Take Inventory. Are there some staple items you really need to complete either your fall/winter or spring/summer wardrobe? It might be a good time to take advantage of clearance and pre-season sales to fill in the gaps.

Try the Backward Hanger Trick. As you transfer your warm clothes into your closet, take notice of the items that you may not be as crazy about now as you were last year. If you know for sure that you won’t be wearing an item, toss it out now. If you’re unsure, try this trick: loop its hanger the opposite way over the rod. If, at the end of the season, the hanger is still hanging backward (indicating you haven’t worn the item even once) it’s time to give it the boot!

Shop for Swimsuits Early. If you or the kids are in need of a new swimsuit, I recommend shopping early. There is a lot of selection early in the season and usually some great pre-season sales. Most stores don’t continue to ship in more swimsuits throughout the summer, so selection will go down and prices will go up as supply and demand create a shortage.

Have fun pulling out all of those wonderful, warm weather clothes and be sure to share your own ideas in the comments section!

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29Apr / 2011

5 Gardening Tips for Greenies

Whether you have a vast expanse of land or a simple windowsill, it’s always fun to grow and harvest your own vegetables and flowers. But if you’re a little green, here are 5 great tips to get you started:

1. Start small and simple. Containers are a great way to begin gardening because you have better control over the elements. You can start with quality soil, keep it moist, and avoid most weeds by containing your plants in a pot or container. Stick to easy-growing plants or flowers for best results: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green onions, beans, and radishes.

2. Get soil wet and then let it dry. Most plants do best when their soil is watered and then allowed to get mostly dry before re-wetting. The best way to test soil is sticking your finger straight down. Similar to sticking a toothpick into a baking cake for doneness, your finger should come out mostly dry. If it’s wet, don’t water yet.

3. Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight. Pay attention to the sunlight needs on your plant or seed packages and adhere to them as best you can, but keep in mind that every plant needs access to some sunlight. Turn or rotate plants if necessary.

4. Give them space. Plants, like people, need space to thrive. Read the recommended spacing on your plant/seed packaging, but a good rule of thumb is to imagine the plant or vegetable in full size and allow about that much space. Over-crowding will suffocate the plants, so give them room to grow.

5. Dead-heading brings flowers to life. To a beginning gardner, it seems counter-intuitive to pick the blossoms off of your flowers, but it’s the absolute best way to make your flowers thrive. As soon as the blooms start to wilt, trim them off at the next bud or set of leaves for best results. Try it and watch them thrive.

Do you like to garden? What are your best tips for beginners?

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15Apr / 2011

How To: Make Confetti Eggs

MF Surprise Eggs Instead of making traditional dyed eggs this year for the Easter baskets, why not try these fun confetti-filled eggs? These eggs (sometimes called cascarpones) are so fun to make and very easy! Here’s what you’ll need:

eggs
push pins
egg carton
tissue paper, cut into small 1-3 inch pieces
Modge Podge
sponge brushes

Start by poking tiny holes in the top of each egg with a push pin to create a hole just big enough to blow air through, about this big:
MF Top HOle

Then create a larger hole in the bottom of the egg in the same way. You can determine the size you want depending on what you want to put inside of it (small toys, money, or confetti.) This is just about the right size for confetti, but even a little bigger makes it easier, especially for kids.
MF Bottom Hole

Standing over the sink or a large bowl, blow a long, steady breath through the top of the egg. The white membrane and yolk will soon come shooting out. (The kids love this part.) If you want, you can save the yolks and whites and cook with them, although I’ve found too many tiny shell particles in mine, so I usually toss them out. Rinse the outside of the egg if needed.

Set your eggs in the paper carton, bottom side down, to drain and dry several hours or overnight. Once they are dry, insert your confetti or toys or money in the larger hole. I create a simple funnel using a piece of paper to pour the confetti in. Remember, a little confetti goes a long way—no need to fill it full.

Using the sponge brush and Modge Podge, put a thin layer over and all around the opening. Top it with a piece of tissue paper and coat it all again with Modge Podge. Add more pieces of tissue paper to cover the entire egg, patchwork style. Once covered, return the egg to dry in the carton or another clean surface. When you’re ready, hide them, share them, crack them, and enjoy them! They will likely become an Easter tradition for you and your family.
MF Finished Eggs

HINT: Make reusable Easter decorations by leaving the hollow eggs empty. The shellacking will preserve the shells, making them last for years and years!

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08Apr / 2011

How To: Make Your Own Easter Baskets

MF Easter Baskets
Gather the kids and a few simple supplies to create your very own Easter baskets. It couldn’t be simpler or more fun for kids (or adults) of any age. Here’s what you’ll need:

latex balloons
yarn
white school glue
water

Start by blowing up the balloons (you’ll need one per basket), keeping in mind that the base of the balloon will be the size of your basket, so add as much or little air as you want. Next, mix equal parts glue and water in a large mixing bowl until combined. (One 8 ounce bottle of glue was enough for these three baskets.) Immerse the yarn in the glue mixture, then begin wrapping it around the base of your balloon. There is no right or wrong way to do this, which makes it a great activity for the kids. Try criss-crossing and making lacy loops. If you want, create a handle by wrapping several strands around the longer side of the balloon. Once you’re happy with your design, set your balloon to dry on a paper cup or in another clean bowl. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of your wrapping and the humidity in your area, but 24 hours is a good bet. Once the yarn is dry and stiff to the touch, pop the balloon and discard it. Remaining is a lovely, lacy basket to fill with your favorite Easter treats!

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18Mar / 2011

Spring Cleaning Checklist

To some, spring cleaning is a joyous ritual and to others, an overwhelming pursuit. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, here’s a tip-filled checklist that will keep you on track and ready to start your season with shining success.

Work in one area. Whether it’s one drawer or one room, stay in one place and see your project finished through. It will give you a feeling of satisfaction and motivate you for the next.
Open the windows and let the house breathe.
Clean top to bottom. Be efficient and start at the top of a room and work your way down to the ground.
Affix an old t-shirt to the end of your mop and gather cobwebs from ceiling corners.
Affix a feather duster to your broom handle to dust chandeliers and light fixtures.
Dust the top of ceiling fans. You’ll be shocked how much dust has built up in the off season.
Dust the tops of door jams, cupboards and picture frames.
Use a hose attachment to vacuum the nooks and crannies of couches and chairs. Don’t forget to vacuum the upholstery too.
Use a Magic Eraser or similar product to clean scuffs off of walls.
Wipe down light switches and door knobs.
Wipe down baseboards and touch up with paint where necessary.
Clear everything off kitchen countertops and scrub with soap and water.
Wipe down cupboard doors and shelves.
Apply a coat of sealant to granite or stone countertops.
Clean out the fridge. Toss out old food and use up food that is still good.
Organize the pantry. Pull items with approaching expiration dates to the front.
Clean the oven. Put a fresh layer of tin foil in the bottom to make cleanup easy.
Purge old paints, cleansers, and chemicals and research where they can be disposed of locally.
For a foolproof window washing solution, use 1 gallon distilled water with 2 cups rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 teaspoon Dawn dishsoap. Spray on and wipe clean with a cheesecloth or squeegee.
Hang floor rugs and runners outside on a railing and beat with a rod for several minutes. This will loosen deep particles that breakdown fibers. Transfer rugs inside and vacuum immediately.
Scrub the grill, refill the propane, and light the BBQ. Allow it to sit on high heat for at least 30 minutes to burn off any residue.
Change furnace filters and water filters.
Check with your city or waste management and take advantage of excess waste or green waste pickup days.
Invest in a compost bin for the backyard. Keep a smaller container under the sink for pieces of fruit, vegetables, egg shells, and coffee grinds. Once the smaller container is full, transfer it to the larger container.
Wash blankets and throws before storing for the season.
Wash winter coats and snow gear before storing.
Spray out garbage cans with the hose and allow to dry completely in the sun.
Sweep garage.
Organize a neighborhood yard sale. Donate the money to a good cause.

That’s my list. What’s on yours? Share your tips and ideas in the comments section!

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