In true frugal fashion, I've been using a hot water bottle to warm the foot of my bed instead of the expense of an electric blanket. After more years than I care to admit, mine had finally sprung a leak (thankfully, not while in my bed). I wondered what I could use this thing for? I can't just throw it away. Something like this probably takes a millennium to bio-degrade in a landfill. Then it hit me. (The idea, not the water bottle. Though I bet you could have a pretty decent slap fight with this baby.)
It's shaped exactly like a mouse pad and my current one is, to be honest, grossly grimy. Who washes a mouse pad? It even has a slightly nubby surface, all the better for grabbing the little wheelie thing on the bottom of my ancient mouse.
I simply cut it apart and used the best side as the new mouse pad. And being that it's made out of rubber, it stays put. Not sliding around the desk like my old one. So, there you have it. Hot-water bottle turned mouse pad.
By ~gloria from Western NY
This page contains the following solutions.
Who knew? My pa did; he's 84. If you have an optical mouse and need a fresh mouse pad, all you need is a good magazine. It works like a charm and you can pick the cover page you like.
I have this wonderful mouse that I love. But having a slick bottom side on the slick table makes it slip and then my wrist hurts. I use one of these for opening jars and two for under vases. I wondered if it could stop my mouse from slipping. Happily, it does!
I have a place mat on the top of my desk for when I snack while playing Scrabble. I have another on my pullout tray where the keyboard and mouse are.
If you have a small computer table or desk; drape a furry blanket upside down over it, smooth side up; and place your computer there. This makes it hard to slide.
Here is a great tip to keep your computer keyboard area clean and tidy and save money too. Instead of wasting money on a mouse pad, go to the dollar store or somewhere you like, pick up one vinyl placemat and your mouse will still work out just great.
I've been needing a new mouse pad for ages. All of them that I saw were small ones that cost upwards of $6. I just replaced the old pad with a plastic place mat that cost $1.47 and it works great!
I had been looking for a long time for a large mouse pad, because my hand was always going off the regular ones. Then it came to me to use a stiff vinyl placement, several of which I had on hand. I have been using it for a year or so, and it works perfectly!
