Diane Rixon

- xtcmxon Flickr
- DIY Disasters!

- articnomad on Flickr
- 16 Unusual Uses for Microwaves

- shawnzlea on Flickr
- Daily DIY: The Original Dryer Ball
Reduce Speeding on Your Street
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Nov 5th 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under recalls and safety
Photo: madmetal, Flickr
If you have a problem with speeding cars on your street, I'll concede it's not really practical to stand out there all day with a radar gun anyway. So here are some suggestions that might really work to solve your traffic issues once and for all.
1. Invest in a brightly colored "kids at play" driveway sign. I'm willing to bet these signs are more effective than the presence of actual children. Why? It's because the signs are designed to be all official-looking. Responsible drivers react automatically when they see a "go slow" reminder.
Continue reading Reduce Speeding on Your Street
Find Swine Flu (H1N1) Shots in Your Area
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Nov 4th 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under health
Photo: so.salem, Flickr
First, though, are you eligible? As of right now, the vaccine is on offer to folks considered high-risk for H1N1: pregnant women, those 6 months old through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and people 25 through 64 years old with certain illnesses.
Important Thing 1: People aged 65 and older are not included in the high-risk group unless they qualify via one of the other risk categories. Babies under 6 months of age are too young to receive the vaccine.
Continue reading Find Swine Flu (H1N1) Shots in Your Area
DIY & Save: Last-Minute Holiday Saving Strategy
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Nov 3rd 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under money
Photo: mamamusings, Flickr
1. Open a holiday account. No, it's not too late. Do you have any free funds sitting in your checking account? If so, transfer them immediately to your holiday fund. It's a start.
2. Cut the lattes. Yes, it's annoying when budgeting experts keep reminding us not to fritter money away on expensive little luxuries. If you like to indulge in little treats for yourself, however, now's the time to go cold turkey. Not forever. Just for the next few weeks, and put that money aside. It will add up over the next few weeks.
Continue reading DIY & Save: Last-Minute Holiday Saving Strategy
Unusual Uses: Ziploc Bags 10 New Ways
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Nov 2nd 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under organization and storage
Photo: Barkdog, Flickr
1. Compact wet wipe storage. Like traveling light with your baby or toddler? Me, too. I never bought a bulky diaper bag and I also ditched the plastic wet wipes container early on. Instead, I always carry a baggy with a small stash of wipes, which takes up only the tiniest amount of space in my messenger bag.
2. Diaper changing mat. Speaking of diaper duty, a gallon or larger size Ziploc makes a perfect super-compact changing pad. No, it's not padded (unless you add an old t-shirt or something), but it will keep your tot's head off icky public diaper changing surfaces.
Continue reading Unusual Uses: Ziploc Bags 10 New Ways
Links We Love: Decor for Dudes & Candygrams
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Oct 30th 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under miscellaneous
Photo: Inchmark
See Owlsorts' spooky mantelpieces all decked out for Halloween. Check out the cute Halloween wind spinners, too! – Owlsorts
Colorfully painted glass jars become light-hearted Halloween luminaries. Just add happy or sad Jack-o-lantern faces. – Crafts by Amanda via The Crafty Crow
Continue reading Links We Love: Decor for Dudes & Candygrams
Jack-O-Lantern Longevity Tips
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Oct 29th 2009 12:00PM
Photo: jeffk, Flickr
Now, there are lots of pumpkin preservation tips out there. Most popular suggestions include greasing the pumpkin all over with Vaseline or white craft glue, or soaking it in a bleach solution. Others swear by coating your Jack with acrylic spray or just plain old hairspray. You can even buy a special pumpkin-preserving spray called Pumpkin Fresh for this very purpose.
The debate has been greatly aided by an experiment from the folks at the (very fun) site, My Science Project. The conclusion: keep away from the white glue, Vaseline and acrylic spray. These substances encouraged mold to grow like crazy! The bleach solution was top for the first few days, but your best bets for longevity are a) apply Pumpkin Fresh or b) just leave your pumpkin au natural.
Continue reading Jack-O-Lantern Longevity Tips
Free Grocery List Templates & Printables
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Oct 28th 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under organization and storage
Photo: cesarastudillo, Flickr
Grocery Wiz is a fun way to plan your shopping and a wonderful way to
Laura, aka The Organizing Junkie, shares her shopping template with the world. It's my top pick: lots of white space means more room for scribbling. While you're there, check out Laura's other links and additional downloads, including a menu planner and family travel checklist templates.
Continue reading Free Grocery List Templates & Printables
DIY & Save: 15 Thrifty Halloween Costumes
- by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Oct 27th 2009 12:00PM
- Filed under crafts
Photo: milgrammer, Flickr
1. Solo Cup Lobster. Red shorts, socks and t-shirt, with a plastic cup/plate shell. Brilliant! Extra Butterfingers for anyone who comes to my house wearing this outfit.
2. Balloon Boy. Yes, it's expected to be this year's Big Thing for Halloween. And it's a pretty easy one to make. All you'll need to do is dress up in a large box (with holes for head and arms) and carry a large silver balloon.
Continue reading DIY & Save: 15 Thrifty Halloween Costumes
DIY Lists
Daily DIY: Five Ways to Re-Use a Plastic Bag
Welcome the Fall With Apples Galore!
DIY & Save: 20 Foods That Freeze Surprisingly Well ... and 20 That Don't
Unusual Uses: Digital Cameras - 22 Clever Uses
10 After-School Snacks Your Child Can Make
About DIY Life
Do Life! DIY Life highlights the best in "do-it-yourself" projects.
Here you'll find all types of projects, from hobbies and crafts to home improvement and tech.
DIY Life Contributors
| # | Contributor | Posts | Cmts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erin Loechner | 40 | 0 |
| 2 | Diane Rixon | 21 | 1 |







