Simple Solutions 101: Alka-Seltzer

Alka-Seltzer to the rescue! Besides fixing a sour stomach, Alka-Seltzer has many uses in the home.

Clean jewelry
Drop your dull-looking jewelry in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out.

Unclog a drain
Drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets down the opening, then pour in a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run the hot water at full force to clear the clog. This is also a good way to eliminate drain odors.

Clean your toilet
Believe it or not it is an effective toilet bowl cleaner too. Drop a couple of tablets into the bowl for 20 minutes or so. When you return, a few swipes with a toilet brush will leave your bowl gleaming.

Simple Solutions 101: Coffee Filters

Coffee Filters are inexpensive and come in many sizes.

Here are a few ideas for coffee filter uses

1. Snacks: Fill them up! Kids will enjoy their snacks no matter what they're in

2. Paint: These make great paint keepers for your children and very easy cleanup

3. Clean Windows and Glass: Filters are lint free so they keep everything nice a sparkly

4. Hold Foods: Great to hold your tacos and hotdogs

Simple Solutions 101: Small Space

For those of you who have kids, we all know how much fun they have with chalk. We also know how much space toys and furniture take up these days. I came across a great website, ikea hacker, this great solutions for a table/chalk board/accessory holder is a fantastic solution for anyone who wants to save some space. Basically all you have to do is get some chalkboard paint, a bucket and you can transform the ikea poang table into a kid artist friendly furniture.

Simple Solutions 101: Holiday Mishaps

With all the yummy foods being past around, you're bound to drop something on your holiday atttire or brand new tablecloth here are a few quick fixes to take care if the mess.
1. Take a small toothbrush and dip it into grease fighting dishwashing liquid and Brush lightly so the fabric will not get damaged. Now its ready to be washed
2. Turn your washer on warm heat and do not add any detergent, be sure the material can be washed in warm water.
3. Once it is time to add to dryer be sure that the stain has been removed, if not let air dry and repeart above step. If you are still stuck with a stain send to the cleaners

Simple Solution: Dryer Sheets

Old Use: Clothing Freshner and Static Guard
New Use: Oh so many...
can be used for appliqué
deodorize your home, leave a few sheets in various areas of the home (especially in shoes)
cleans grease off stove
detangles thread, run needle and thread through sheet- will detangle in an instant

Simple Solutions 101: Lemons

Old Use: Food Preparation
New Use: Cleaning the microwave

Ever notice how your microwave stinks after popping popcorn? and you just can't get that awful buttery smell out no matter what you do?

Clean you microwave as usual
Once you have sprayed down and wiped off excess loose dirt, add a cup of water with a few slices of lemon
Heat for 4 minutes on high
Remove and wipe excess dirt once again
Add a fresh cup of water with a few slices of lemon and heat for another 3 minutes

Your Microwave should be as good as new!

Simple Solutions 101: Wire hangers

Wire hanger
Old Use: Hang Your Clothes
New Use: Static Declinger
Tame a skirt or a pair of trousers by running the long side of the hanger over and under.

Source: REALSIMPLE magazine