Household Hints By Rosemary Smorgasbord

Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.

I love to do mish mash hints that have been collected over a couple of months from family and friends. Everyone seems to have their pet shortcut or handy trick to make life and work easier and more interesting. Here are my favourite picks and I hope you'll like them.
Moving? July first was once “the” day to move. Instead of getting boxes from the grocery store, ask your local furniture store to save you some of theirs. They often already have Styrofoam™ inserts for protection, as well as large bubble wrap and/or foam wrap; you can ask them to leave this in for you. Really a good idea, a money saving tip and great recycle use.
On the same note, ask your local liquor store to save you some wine boxes; they are already divided with cardboard inserts that make packing glasses and cups a breeze.
Short of space in a closet for shoe storage? Half of an old ladder cleaned and painted can be anchored to the inside wall or door of a closet for shoes, ties, belts and other accessories. Use a shower hook to hang purses.
To keep mosquitoes from breeding in your bird baths put a couple of teaspoons of cooking oil in the water; it will float on top and smother the eggs and it won't hurt the birds. Make sure to change the water once a week.
Stocking up on meat for summer barbecues? Before freezing, wash the chops or steaks in cold water to remove any butcher dross, pat dry and rub on olive oil and spices to prevent the meat from drying out; this also marinates for a more intense flavour.
Stubborn weeds that grow through walkways and driveways can be controlled by waiting for a dry spell, then pouring a mixture of boiling water and vinegar, about half and half, on the weeds. It may take two or three applications, but it's sure and safe.
Going boating on a lake or river? Put your digital camera, cell phone, car keys and other water sensitive items in a sealable plastic baggie. It will keep the moisture from seeping in and a blessing if the boat should tip. Make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket regardless of how good a swimmer.
Schools out and the children will be coming home with their special artwork. Roll it up and put it in a paper towel roll for storage; you can write the year, school and theme on the outside to easily identify it. Larger items can be stored in a wrapping paper roll cut to size.
Finally, from a female friend who hates gassing up her car: keep a pair of latex gloves in the car to prevent having the odor of gasoline on your hands.
Well, there we are for now. I'm collecting the next batch, so if you have any to contribute let me know.