picnic designs

Tired of scraps of all different wrapping or going out to buy wrapping everytime an occassion pops up? Start with white or brown (natural) paper, purchase several rolls and several bags in white and natural. Go to your favorite craft store and buy sale ribbon.  There is almost always sale ribbon, you just have to look. Get creative, buy feminine, masculine, childrens, and neutral patterns.  Pick up colorful tags or construction paper to create your own tags and you have all you will ever need to wrap it up.

August 10, 2016

Who knew S'mores had their own special day? Well we are glad they do, as they are a Summer staple and fun for the whole family.  Next time you toast some marshmallows, consider picking up a bag of Hershey's Miniatures to melt onto your graham crackers.  They are the perfect size and you get to choose from classic, special dark, crispy, nutty, etc.  Find a new favorite and Happy S'mores Day! 

Is it possible to wear a ponytail and feel sophisticated?  It can be and you shouldn't have to go to a salon. It is best to start with a clear ponytail holder, found in packs at any drug store.  Make ponytail as usual with holder, leaving 1/2" of hair out at the bottom.  Pull the 1/2" hair around the ponytail holder until you run out around the rotation.  Then use two bobby pins, one on the end and one opposite to hold it in place.  Braid or twist the hair around the holder for different looks every time. 

Tired of the decision process it takes to decide where to go to dinner?  Download the Spotluck App and you will get a "wheel" of choices, all with at least 10% discount and one lucky restaurant will have 20% discount, perhaps making your choice a bit easier.  Currently in DC and Phili areas with several hubs.

Grilled cheese sometimes cooks faster on the outside, than the inside.  To get the cheese melted all the way through, add a small ice cube to the side of the pan and cover with a lid.  The cube will melt and steam the sandwich all the way through.  A touch of olive oil in the pan as you begin kicks your sandwich to the next level. Bon apetit!

Bringing your necklaces with you on a trip?  Pop each one in a ziploc bag and keep the clasp on the outside before you zip.  It keeps your necklaces tangle-free for the ride.

When you first open your favorite mascara, it is not the same as the tried and true one you have been using for a month.  It is, well, gooey.  Open it and set it out for 4-8 hours.  It will be brand new without being wet and drippy.

If you don't want cake to stick to your frosting as you create your masterpiece, run the knife under hot water before dipping it in the icing. The knife will release the frosting easier and therefore glide smoothly onto the cake.  It will stop any bits of cake from getting into your perfect creation.

Pineapples reduce swelling.  Swollen feet?  Have some pineapple.  Feeling water weight gain? Have some pineapple.  The best tip in the list...heading to a dental procedure and worried about swelling? Don't worry, have some pineapple the night before.  We have tried it and it worked for us, so we hope it works for you.

Like to bring your favorite bar of soap with you on your travels?  Tired of your soap container filled with wet slime after putting your soap inside?  A much easier and neater way to bring your soap with you is to tear a piece of dry cleaning bag (or cut if you need the edges just right) and wrap your soap.  Wet or dry it works and it is free.