MAILBOXES
#1. Train tunnel.
Cut out both ends and run the tracks of an electric
train set through it.
U>#2. Garden caddy.
Place one in a convenient spot in the garden to
hold seeds and often used boots.
#3.
Birdhouse.
Set one in a tree or on a pole with
the door open.
#4. Breadbox.
Clean and decorate a mailbox thoroughly, then use it to hold
bread or snacks in the kitchen.
MATTRESSES
#1. Party chairs.
A mattress is better than chairs at a childrens party.
#2. Crash pad.
Place one under a
child's jungle gym to prevent injuries.
#3.
Trundle bed.
Keep an old mattress under the bed. When unexpected guests spend the night, pull it out and make it up-it will be much more comfortable than the
floor.
#4. Bumper saver.
Nail one to
the back wall of your garage, just in case.
#5. Trampoline.
Keep an old one in the basement
for small chldren to bounce on.
MESH
BAGS
#1. Salad spinner.
Place washed lettuce leaves in a mesh bag, then twirl it
around outdoors for several minutes.
#2. Fish stringer.
Put the fish you catch in the bag and
hang it in the water until your ready to go home.
#3. Bird feeder.
Combine melted fat with
birdseed, let harden, then place in a mesh bag and hang from a branch; the holes make the food visible and
gives the birds easy access.
#4. Lingerie bag
Place delicate underwear in a mesh bag so that
it doesn't tangle with other clothes in the washer.
#5. Dishwasher basket.
Put baby bottle
caps and nipples in one to prevent them from flying all over the dishwasher when it's running.
#6.
Soap on a string.
On camping trips carry your
soap in a mesh bag. Use the soap right in the bag, then hang the bag on a tree to dry.
#7. Drain
filter.
To prevent clogging the drain, place one over the shower drain to catch hair.
#8.
Harvester.
String a heavy cord along the top of
a bag and put just picked vegetables in it; hose dirt
off the produce while it's still in the bag.
#9. Scrub pad.
Place a sponge inside a mesh bag, dampen, and use as a gentle but effective scrub pad for your car, grill, or pots and pans. If you can't find a
sponge, simply bunch up the bag and scrub.
#10. Beach bag.
Before leaving the beach, put
all the children's toys in a mesh bag and dip it in the water so that you don't transport sand back home.
MICROWAVE OVENS
#1.
Ironing aid.
Sprinkle clothes lightly with
water, place in a plastic bag, and microwave on high
for 1 minute or until warm to the touch; iron
immediately. CAUTION: Make sure clothes have no metal
parts.
#2. Raisin rejuvenator.
Place
1/2 cup dry raisins and 1 tsp. water in a glass
measuring cup; cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high 30 seconds; stir, then let stand 1 minute.
#3. Crisper.
To freshen soggy potato chips,
pretzels, or crackers, microwave them on high for30 to
60 seconds; let stand 2 minutes.
#4. Squash splitter.
To cut acorn squash easily, pierce the skin of an uncut squash with a fork, cook on high for 1 to 2 minutes, then cut it into halves, quarters or slices.
#5. Compress warmer.
Microwave a plastic-wrapped dampened washcloth on high for 15 to 30 seconds or until it's warm to the touch.
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