Thompson: Find a new use for your credit cards

Do you love brownies? Then this tip is for you. Rather than trying to cut your brownies with a knife, use an old credit card instead. A knife will usually mess up the brownies when you drag it through the pan. With the credit card, you simply push it down into the brownies - don't drag it. Just make sure that you clean the credit card before using it.

October 18, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Before you toss that phone, try to fix it

Before you throw an iPod or iPhone away because it is not working, consider checking out the Web site www.ifixit.com. This cool little site tells you how to fix a variety of ailments. It has step-by-step pictures and even tells you what tools you need to use. Fascinating stuff.

October 10, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: A hostess with the mostest uses a colander for ice

I hate it when I'm at a party and I go to get ice for my drink and the ice is floating in water. If you're hosting a party and you leave your ice out, consider putting it in a colander and then put the colander over a bowl. The melted ice will collect in the bowl and stay away from your ice cubes.

October 04, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Forget the floss if your ring is stuck

If you have a ring stuck on your finger, there are several things you can do to get it off. The easiest method is to just hold your hand up in the air for a couple of minutes. See if the reduced blood flow is enough to loosen the ring. The next easiest thing to do is to apply some kind of lubricant like hand lotion, hair conditioner or WD-40. If this doesn't work for ...

September 27, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Don’t lose those plastic tag holders

Here's a great tip from Julian Wilson: "New slacks and jackets frequently have size tags and other informational tags held on by what amounts to being plastic "staples" that have little "T" ends. If you just cut the plastic on the other side of the tag, the whole thing can come apart and the small plastic pieces may get lost in the material of the clothing and irritate you when wearing it. Just put a ...

September 20, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Pantihose get new life holding up trash bags

Is there anything more annoying than having your trash bag fall down into your trash can? Actually I don't have this problem anymore because I buy fitted trash bags specifically made for my trash can. (Yes it is a waste of money, but it is one of my few indulgences.) If you don't want to buy fitted trash bags, here's your tip: Cut off the elastic waist band from an old pair of panty hose and use it to hold the trash bag in place.

September 13, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Don’t get stuck with a cheap hose

Here's a great tip on buying a water hose. If it flattens when you step on it, don't buy it. Spend the extra money and avoid the cheap hoses. Trust me on this one.

September 05, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Duct tape comes in handy yet again

If you own one of those battery-operated wall clocks, I have a tip for you. Consider duct taping a bunch of extra batteries to the back of the clock. When it is time to replace the batteries, they'll be right there. There have been a lot of thefts in gyms where criminals rummage through unattended gym bags looking for valuables. Here's a great tip to keep you from becoming a victim. Take a tennis ball ...

August 30, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: A little sandpaper can sharpen a needle

Before you throw a sewing needle away because it became dull, consider sharpening it with sandpaper. Just get a fine-grit sandpaper and rub the sewing needle over it.

August 23, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: In a pinch, use wasp spray for pepper spray

Pepper spray is a great criminal deterrent. If you don't have any with you and you're concerned someone may try to break into your house, consider using wasp spray. Odds are that you have some in your garage. Let me be clear here, pepper spray is better. However, wasp spray can be effective if someone is breaking into your home.

August 16, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Get free birthday goodies at this site

Do you have a birthday coming up? If so, you need to check out Freebirthdaytreats.com. The site has a huge listing of discounts and freebies that you can get at retailers and restaurants on your birthday. Note, most restaurants require you to join their online birthday clubs to get free meals.

August 09, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Remember the way to add counter space?

OK folks, it's time for a quiz. Let's see how well you've been paying attention. If you don't get at least three of the six, you need to send me your duct tape ... I'm serious.

August 02, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Some prep keeps burgers from over-plumping

Here's a hamburger grilling tip that I bet you've never heard. Have you ever noticed that when grilling a hamburger it tends to plump in the middle? To avoid this, make an indentation in the center of the patty before you put it on the grill. The indentation should be around two inches in diameter and about half of the thickness of the burger.

July 26, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Make sure fruit won’t ripen all at once

When buying fruit at the store, buy some pieces that are already ripe and some that are not quite ripe. By doing this you minimize having to eat over-ripe fruits and reduce chances of the fruit going bad before you can eat it. By the way, people don't realize that you can break up a bunch of bananas when you're in the store.

July 19, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

Thompson: Homes are selling; this site shows you how much

To find out what homes in your neighborhood are selling for, check out Domania. Believe it or not, people are buying houses.

July 05, 2009 | Tim Thompson | Columnists

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