Now to Love

Put a wading pool under the rotary clothes hoist, then peg a bed sheet over the lines to protect children from the sun while they play.

Keep children’s paintings in a large, two-ring binder when you run out of space on the fridge. Name and on them as they get older.

Coloured popcorn sprinkled over or around plain icing on a child’s birthday cake looks pretty and doesn’t cost much.

To prevent files from different family members getting mixed up, create your own folders. In Windows Explorer, click on the file you wish to put the new folders in. Go to the File menu and choose...

Keep CD-ROMs clean and safe by putting them back in their cases after use. If a case has broken or gone missing, you can buy empty ones from most stationery shops or computer...

Keep your keyboard and monitor covered when they are not being used. This will keep dust, pet fur and carpet fluff from getting...

When you're spring-cleaning, don't forget your computer. You will be surprised how much dust has collected behind the monitor and system unit - be sure to dust regularly (with the computer turned...

Flash cards can be a good way of helping a toddler learn to read. Use your word processing program to print large, bold words and cut them down into cards, which you can stick on things around the...

Keep a record of your CD collection on your computer, for your own reference and for your insurance agency. Include other possessions,...

When moving house, put your keyboard and mouse in an old stocking to keep them safe and...

Document holders (from officeware or stationery stores) can be attached to the side of your computer screen or stand on your desk. They do a great job of keeping your desk free of...

Children's jeans and pants that are too long can be turned up to the correct length and the hems held in place with press-studs. These can easily be undone when washing the garment and removed when...

To ensure your thread glides through the fabric when working quilting stitches, first run the needle and thread through a piece of beeswax. The beeswax will lightly coat the thread to ensure that...

Household items such as empty milk and drink cartons and left over pieces of plumbing pipe make excellent candle moulds. Make sure one end is securely closed so that no molten wax escapes when it is...

Beeswax sheets stick to themselves so, when making rolled beeswax candles, use cookie cutters to make decorative shapes, then press them to the surface of your...

Stitch old shoulder pads to both ends of fabric-covered coat-hangers to help your jackets and dresses hang beautifully and keep in good...

Make use of the wonderful range of fancy stitches featured on many sewing machines by stitching onto paper and envelope flaps to create your own personalised...

Place your sewing machine pedal on a non-slip bathmat or rug with a non-slip backing. This way the pedal will never move away when you're...

Apply sticky tape to the areas where you require buttonholes in a garment. The tape not only marks the position, but holds the fabric firm. Work the buttonholes over the tape, then remove it when...

Fishing tackle boxes make excellent sewing boxes, as there are plenty of compartments for storing everything from thread and bobbins to unpickers and needles. Label each of the different compartment...

Store paper sewing patterns that won't fit back inside their paper envelopes in snap-lock bags. This way you can ensure your pattern pieces will not be...

Use sticky tape to hold pleats or tucks in place when sewing. Stitch through the tape, then remove it to create perfect results every...

When cutting out sewing patterns, always remember to cut around all the markings so you can stitch the pieces together accurately. Cutting corners in the preparation will only result in an inferior...

Use plumbers tape to secure bobbin threads and ensure that they don't become tangled in your sewing box. The tape sticks to itself and can easily be peeled...

Remember that sewing machines need servicing from time to time and needles should he replaced frequently so they don't become blunt. If the tension on your machine is causing trouble, check for lint...

Save all the coloured tissue paper you receive, then cut it into small pieces and glue it to boxes to create a colourful collage effect. Apply a decoupage glaze, which provides a thick, glossy...

Save all your candle stubs and melt them down in an old saucepan. Remove any pieces of wicking, tint the molten wax with candle dyes and pour it into prepared moulds to make new...

When cutting images from paper for your decoupage pieces, move the paper into the blades of the scissors to produce a bevelled edge-finish on the paper. This will assist you when gluing the pieces i...

The weather can play havoc with the finishing coats on a decoupage piece. Wait for a fine, dry day to start applying the layers of varnish. If the air is too moist, your project may take on a cloude...

Keep all your small scraps and squares of Aida cloth or other cross-stitch fabric. These can be used to create stitched decorations for greeting cards and gift...

Pieces of tulle or net fabric can be used to trace patterns. Place the tulle over the design, trace the pattern, then position the tulle and trace the design again. Remove the fabric, then join the...

Never leave a needle in your cross-stitch, tapestry or needlepoint, only in the margin of your work. A brief interruption can lead to lengthy time away from your work and a needle can rust,...

Your thread should never be shorter than twice the length of your needle - any shorter and your stitches will become tight as you attempt to work the...

When working needlepoint or tapestry pieces, ensure that your thread is no longer than 45cm (or approximately the length from your fingers to just below your elbow). This will prevent knotting and...

Household or sea sponges are the perfect tool for filling in tricky areas of a stencil. Cut the sponge to the desired size and this will ensure no paint ends up in the wrong...

When working with acrylic paints, remember that they dry darker than their undried colour. If you have worked an object that dries much darker than planned, try applying a wash of equal quantities o...

To keep your container of water clear for longer when changing paint colours, just dip your brush loaded with paint into the water, then wipe the bristles on a tissue or piece of paper towel to...

Store your paintbrushes in a container with a piece of florists' foam. The foam makes an ideal stand for the paintbrushes, so you can identify them easily while...

Always use spray adhesive to hold stencils in place. It will not only stop the stencils from slipping, but allow you to move and reposition...

When brushes are bent out of shape, dip them into Clag glue right up to the top of the bristles, then smooth them back into shape. Dry overnight, then wash the glue from the bristles with warm water...

Use leftover pieces of dress fabric to cover notebooks and diaries. Fur fabrics, velour and crushed velvets make sumptuous covers. The fabric can be glued in place with hot glue from a glue gun, and...

When harvesting flowers for pressing, pick the freshest blooms and wait until the morning dew has evaporated. Then sort the flowers into ones that are fleshy or less fleshy before drying them in you...

Don't use rubber stamps just to decorate cards and gift papers. They can also be used to add a decorative touch to candles, boxes, lampshades and even...

To revitalise old potpourri, sprinkle a few drops of essential oil into the dried petals and mix together gently. Add a few dried herbs from the garden, or buy them in delicatessens or supermarkets,...

Instead of buying an embossing tool for heating embossing powder, use your toaster. Hold the paper, with the embossing powder applied, over the heat source of the toaster, being careful not to hold...

hen looking for inspiration for applique designs, you need look no further than children's colouring books. The graphic designs will make ideal motifs for all sorts of...

Odd shoelaces can be put to good use as stitching holders for knitting. Thread shoelace through the stitches then tie into a knot or bow to secure the...

Crochet hooks, circular knitting needles and standard knitting needles can all be stored easily in plastic pages tape to secure the tops of the pages, label them and place in a folder for easy...

Use plastic film canisters as storage for needles, buttons, safety pins and other sewing aids. These containers are great for travelling and fit neatly into a handbag or car...

Always ensure your scissors are sharp when cutting fabric. They can be sharpened by specialists for a lasting effect, but for a quick trick cut into a sheet of sandpaper two or three...

Always work the white areas of a tapestry or needlepoint design first before any other colours are added. White threads that are worked later can easily become discoloured by the threads surrounding...

When you are working with modelling clay, wear disposable plastic gloves. This way you will not leave fingerprints over the surface of the...

Fake flowers can be used to great effect on gift boxes and bags. Just arrange the flowers on a box lid and glue them in place for a fabulous floral effect.

Make a warming massage oil for winter: place two chillies and a bunch of mint leaves in a jar with olive oil, leave on the windowsill for three weeks then strain. Test a little on the inside of your...

Make a warming massage oil for winter: place two chillies and a bunch of mint leaves in a jar with olive oil, leave on the windowsill for three weeks then strain. Test a little on the inside of your wrist before you use it, to make sure the chillies don’t leave too much fire!

Add a pot of strong, strained and cooled chamomile tea to baby's bath water. Wipe bottom with cod liver oil between nappy changes. (It doesn't smell too good, but does the trick in no...

Valerian helps you to relax without unpleasant or dangerous side effects. Because it has a strong odour and taste, you might prefer capsules of the dried herb instead of the...

To make a fragrant and effective natural deodorant, add two drops each of cypress, lemon and rosemary, and eight drops each of cedarwood and patchouli essential oils to 125ml of distilled...

Toothpaste has a drying effect on pimples - apply a dab to the pimple at night. Or, apply neat tea-tree oil or lavender oil with a cotton...

Apply cold wet chamomile tea bags to the inflamed area. Or, brew some chamomile tea, strain and cool, and dip a cloth in the tea and hold that over the...

For quick relief of the pressure of sinusitis congestion, try one teaspoon of finely grated horseradish mixed with apple cider vinegar and honey, to taste. just inhaling the fumes while you are...

Soak feet in strong tea for 15 minutes every day. Boil six tea bags in 250ml water, then pour the tea into a shallow tray containing two litres of cold...

Fresh strawberries have cleansing and bleaching properties and can help remove tea and coffee stains from teeth. Crush the strawberry gently and rub the pulp onto your teeth, then...

Make a pot of strong marigold tea (from health food stores) and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Add four drops of lavender oil to marigold tea and use to bathe the affected...

Chew one or two cloves, or apply a piece of cottonwool soaked in clove oil to the painful tooth and nearby gum. Clove acts as a...

Chop up some fresh pineapple, sprinkle liberally with salt and leave in a bowl overnight. Strain off the resulting juice. Store in a small bottle in the fridge and use to dab the warts three times...

Fresh strawberries have cleansing and bleaching properties and can help remove tea and coffee stains from teeth. Crush the strawberry gently and rub the pulp onto your teeth, then rinse.

Toothpaste has a drying effect on pimples – apply a dab to the pimple at night. Or, apply neat tea-tree oil or lavender oil with a cotton bud.

Add a pot of strong, strained and cooled chamomile tea to baby’s bath water. Wipe bottom with cod liver oil between nappy changes. (It doesn’t smell too good, but does the trick in no time.)

Valerian helps you to relax without unpleasant or dangerous side effects. Because it has a strong odour and taste, you might prefer capsules of the dried herb instead of the tea.

To make a fragrant and effective natural deodorant, add two drops each of cypress, lemon and rosemary, and eight drops each of cedarwood and patchouli essential oils to 125ml of distilled witch-hazel. Not only do essential oils smell good, but these ones have anti-microbial properties that help to neutralise odours. Store in a glass spray […]

Apply cold wet chamomile tea bags to the inflamed area. Or, brew some chamomile tea, strain and cool, and dip a cloth in the tea and hold that over the rash.

For quick relief of the pressure of sinusitis congestion, try one teaspoon of finely grated horseradish mixed with apple cider vinegar and honey, to taste. just inhaling the fumes while you are grating the horseradish is guaranteed to open your sinuses.

Soak feet in strong tea for 15 minutes every day. Boil six tea bags in 250ml water, then pour the tea into a shallow tray containing two litres of cold water.

Make a pot of strong marigold tea (from health food stores) and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Add four drops of lavender oil to marigold tea and use to bathe the affected area.

Chew one or two cloves, or apply a piece of cottonwool soaked in clove oil to the painful tooth and nearby gum. Clove acts as a painkiller.

Chop up some fresh pineapple, sprinkle liberally with salt and leave in a bowl overnight. Strain off the resulting juice. Store in a small bottle in the fridge and use to dab the warts three times daily.

Placing a block of camphor under the mattress sometimes helps prevent night cramps. Make a massage oil by combining six drops each of clove and rosemary oil with 30ml plain vegetable oil, shake well...

The next time you need an antibacterial ointment for a cut or wound, apply unprocessed (unheated and unaltered) honey. It contains a natural antibiotic that has proved effective against organisms...

Cut up one onion and three cloves of garlic. Place in a bowl and cover with honey, then leave for three hours. Strain. Sip a teaspoonful of the resulting syrup throughout the...

Add one bunch of parsley to 500ml of water. Bring water to the boil in a covered pan, turn off heat, and cool. Parsley is a natural diuretic and helps to flush out the micro-organisms that cause the...

Combine one tablespoon each of dried nettles and dried rosemary with two cups of apple cider vinegar. Bring to the boil, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit overnight. Strain. After shampooing...

Peel and grate an apple into a bowl. Wait until it goes brown - approximately 15 minutes - then eat...

An oatmeal skin wash is good for dry skin. Add one tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal to a bowl of warm water and use for rinsing face and...

Add two drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils to a cup of spring water and mix well. Soak two cottonwool pads in the liquid, squeeze out the excess water and place a pad over each eye,...

Crush two cloves of garlic into two tablespoons of olive oil and warm gently over low heat. Strain. Drip a few drops into the ear and wad with cottonwool. (Note: Do not attempt this if you think the...

Blend 10 drops of marjoram, 15 drops of may chang (Litsea cubeba) and five drops of peppermint oil with 30ml of a base oil, such as almond. Put a few drops on a tissue and inhale to pep you up. Try...

Take three cups of dandelion tea each day in the week leading up to your period to relieve premenstrual...

Eating seeded chillies provides quick relief for sinus headaches.

Witchhazel is an excellent natural remedy for haemorrhoids because of its astringency. Saturate a cotton ball with distilled witch hazel and apply after each bowel movement and several times...

Soothe sore hands with a mixture of cold cooked mashed potato and olive oil. Simply massage into your skin, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse...

Add 10 drops of thyme essential oil to one teaspoon of shampoo. Mix well and apply the mixture to the scalp and hair. Leave the shampoo in the hair for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a...

Make fresh ginger tea. Peel and grate a small piece of fresh root ginger, place in a cup, pour over boiling water and steep for five minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink. Another good idea...

Add two cups of Epsom salts to a tub of warm water. Soak for 20 minutes. Epsom salts contain magnesium, an excellent muscle relaxant and sedative for the nervous system. Drink passionflower tea 45...

To stop itching and inflammation of mosquito or other insect bites, apply one drop of peppermint oil directly to the bite. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic...

Combine four drops of clary sage oil with two teaspoons of a carrier oil, such as almond, and use to massage the lower abdomen, directly above the pubic hair...

Drink raspberry leaf tea, or simmer a few slices of peeled fresh ginger root and a 7.5mm stick of cinnamon in 150ml water, add honey and lemon, and...

Make this mouthwash, then gargle with it as often as necessary. Place two tablespoons of dried sage in a teapot, pour over 250mls boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain. Add three drops of...

Heat 200g of sea salt in a heavy pan. Funnel into a clean, cotton sock. (Don't overfill - you want to leave it pliable, like a beanbag.) Pin the end. Apply to the painful area for approximately 30...

Soothe sore hands with a mixture of cold cooked mashed potato and olive oil. Simply massage into your skin, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse off.