For family parties, I always call everyone, and I have a big family (parties are usually 40+). Usually I am asking them to bring a dish, so I just start about 2-3 weeks ahead and keep (politely) bugging them until I get an answer. For larger open-house type parties, I send an invitation and just assume about 1/3 to 1/2 will not show up. I have also done these as potluck--that way no matter how many come you will have anough food. In my husband's family people are notorious for not RSVPing for weddings and my daughter's getting married next summer. I know I will be on the phone...take heart, you are not alone!! ... View related article.
If you have someone to help you, have the helper hold the kitty's front legs on a flat, slippery surface. Open the kitty's mouth by squeezing her top lips over her teeth and prying the bottom jaw down. Push the pill as far back on her tongue as possible, then close her mouth and hold it shut until she licks and you know she swallowed. I used to work for a vet and this is the method we used. ... View related article.
Great idea! This reminds me of a story I read one time. With your first baby, you stock the diaper bag with multiple changes of clothing and diapers, and food or formula for a week. For Baby #2 you put a diaper and a bottle in your purse when you go out. For Baby #3 you borrow a diaper when you get there! ... View related article.
If you have a little one, buy an inexpensive yellow or tan hooded sweatsuit or pajamas and a matching feather boa from the craft store. Cut the boa into lengths and sew around hood, down arms and leave a little for the "tail." If you can find a duck's "bill" at the thrift store or toy store you'll have a cute duck. Buy the clothing large and it will last for several years. Also, hit the stores after Halloween and you'll get huge savings on costumes for next year. ... View related article.
I use 3-ring binders for filing instead of file folders. It's too easy to take a folder out and forget to put it back! I have a binder for each of my 3 teenagers (for school information, driver's training, etc.) I also have one for insurance, pets, banking, automobiles, bill paying, and medical records. I use tabs to label sections within the binder; e.g., one tab for each car, etc. I have these binders on a shelf in the room where I pay the bills. I also have an accordion-type folder where I file the monthly paperwork after paying bills like gas, electric and cable, one month in each slot. There's a special slot for tax-related receipts so those are handy when tax-time comes around. I keep mortgage and car loan paperwork in the bill-paying binder. ... View related article.
Eat only when you are hungry, and then eat only enough so that you are satisfied, not full. This may mean cutting your food in half, separating it, etc., especially in a restaurant. Pick out the best part of your meal to eat first, so that when you feel satisfied, you can quit. Take the other half of your meal home with you to make another meal. ... View related article.
You don't say how big the boxes are. If they are about as big as the boxes copy paper comes in, I have decorated them and used these as "cars" for toddlers and preschoolers. Possibly a preschool or daycare center could use them. If they are big (appliance size) boxes, kids love to play house in them. If they are small (shoebox or smaller), let kids get creative and glue them together to make castles, robots, or anything they like. ... View related article.
I saw a cute idea at a baby shower held in December. The centerpieces were Santa cookie jars. Cover the coffee can with white felt and make a face using simple cutouts of felt. Glue on a white beard made out of trim. Make a Santa hat out of red felt, white trim and a white pom. Fill "Santa" with treats, cover with plastic lid and top with hat. ... View related article.
