     
     
                               MISCELLANEOUS
     
     Make a photocopy of all important papers in your purse or wallet. 
     Include driver's license, insurance cards, charge cards.  If any
     of these are lost or stolen, you'll have a copy of all  cards and
     numbers needed, plus you won't forget to report any missing
     charge cards.  Put telephone numbers next to these in advance to
     speed reporting lost or stolen cards.
     
     On back of driver's license put blood type and person to contact
     in case of emergency. 
     
     If you have a cam recorder or can borrow one, video tape the
     contents of your home and garage.  Record inside of closets,
     drawers, cupboards, etc.  Keep tape in a bank safe deposit box or
     a relative's home.  If your home should ever have a fire, or be
     in a tornado you will have a good record of contents.
     
     Take pictures of jewelry or other items that you want certain
     people to have in case of your death.  Write down information on
     back (date received, by whom, etc.) that you may want that person
     to know about the item.  
     
     Take pictures of valuable items in your home.  In case of
     burglary, pictures can help identify items if they are located.
     
     For extra security on wood windows, drill a small hole where the
     two wood frames meet and insert a small nail. Nails should be
     able to slip in and out easily, so windows can be opened when you
     want fresh air, or in case of an emergency.
     
     Don't tape notes to door telling people when you'll be returning
     home.
     
     Hide a house key in an empty film container and bury in case you
     lock yourself out of your house or leave a key with a trusted
     neighbor.
     
     On house and car keys apply fluorescent tape to both sides of
     keys and you'll be able to find keys you need in the dark.
     
     On sliding doors place a wooden dowel in track so doors won't be
     able to open.
     
     When installing smoke detectors, be sure to include one in your
     basement.
     
     If you have a problem with dampness in closets, fill a coffee can
     with charcoal briquettes.  Place container on floor, punch holes
     in the cover.  For larger closets use 2 or 3 one-pound cans.
     
     Chalk will also help cut down on dampness.  Tie 12 pieces
     together and hang in closet.
     
     Place a piece of white chalk in your jewelry box to prevent your
     costume jewelry from tarnishing.
     
     Fill an old nylon stocking with cedar chips for a sweet-smelling
     closet.  This also will serve as a moth repellant.
     
     To rid musty odors from old trunks, place a coffee can filled
     with kitty litter deodorizer inside over night.
     
     When storing wool coats and sweaters, add whole cloves with
     mothballs to prevent moth damage.  The cloves will add a nice
     spicy odor.
     
     Store out-of-season clothes in plastic lidded trash cans.  They
     will stay dry in basements and be moth proof.
     
     Do you have a favorite newspaper article you would like to
     preserve?  You can do this by dissolving a Milk of-Magnesia
     tablet in a quart of club soda overnight.  In the morning, pour
     into a pan large enough to accommodate the flattened newspaper. 
     Soak clipping for one hour, then remove and pat dry.  Do not move
     until completely dry.  When clipping is dry it should have an
     estimated life of 200 years.
     
     If your postage stamps get stuck together, place them in the
     freezer.  In most cases they will come apart and the glue will
     still be good.
     
     Before mailing a package, write down the address on a piece of
     paper and put inside of package.  If your package should become
     damaged and the address is unreadable, the post office will still
     be able to deliver the package.
     
     To keep small bottles upright in dresser drawers or desk draws,
     tack a small piece of sewing elastic inside the drawer. Place
     bottles between elastic and drawer.
     
     Popcorn packed around cookies when mailing will prevent them from
     crumbling.
     
     Mildew on papers and books sometimes can be removed by dusting
     with cornstarch.  Allow the cornstarch to remain on for several
     days before brushing off.
     
     When storing fine china, insert paper plates or napkins between
     plates.  This will prevent cracking.
     
     Clean your eyeglasses with a homemade solution.  Just fill an
     eyedropper with vinegar. Your lenses will be bright with no
     streaks.  Vodka can also be used for cleaning your lenses.
     
     For your waterbed sheets that don't stay tucked under, on each
     corner, sew a piece of fabric that is about 2" by 7" after
     folding lengthwise.  Sew on to corner of flap (the flap that is
     tucked under mattress) leaving one end of fold open.  Slide a
     piece of plastic tubing in the open end. Now when you make your
     bed, your sheets should stay in place.  For washing, just remove
     tubing.
     
     To mend a leaky vase, coat the inside with a thick layer of
     paraffin.  When dry, vase will not leak.
     
     Wear fabric gloves under plastic gloves to absorb perspiration.
     
     Soften hardened shoe polish by heating the container in hot
     water.
     
     Cover scuff marks on white shoes with white typewriter correction
     fluid before polishing.
     
     Most scuff marks on light colored leather shoes can be removed
     with an art-gum eraser.
     
     Avoid falls with new shoes that have slippery soles, by rubbing
     sandpaper over the soles.
     
     Rid foot orders from shoes by storing small sachets of baking
     soda in shoes.  These can be made from old socks.  Cut socks
     above toe area and then add a couple tablespoons of baking soda.
     Tie sock or use a rubber band to close the open area. 
     
     If you've lost the back of your earring or other small object in
     your carpet, run a coat hanger over carpet.  Most small objects
     will be tossed in the air.
     
     If you drop your contact lens, turn off lights or close drapes
     if it's daytime.  Shine a flashlight over the area where you
     think the lens should be.  In most cases the lens will reflect
     the light.
     
     Hang long mirrors in small rooms to give the room a larger
     effect.
     
     Use fishing line to sew back together a braided rug that has come
     apart.
     
     
     Selling and Moving Tips:
     
     
     If you plan on selling your home in the winter, display pictures
     of your home that were taken in the summertime.  Houses will look
     cozier with flowers and trees in bloom. 
     
     Before moving into a new house, set off bug bombs to rid any
     unwanted insects.  The house will be empty, so you won't have to
     worry about food or pets.
     
     When moving, label boxes with contents and with rooms boxes
     should be delivered to.
     
     When moving heavy appliances and furniture, place carpet tiles
     under legs or corners. Carpet will make sliding over vinyl  or
     wood floors easier and the rubber backing will prevent appliances
     from sliding off carpet.
     
     Subscribe to local newspaper a month before moving into a new
     location.  You will know in advance what your new community has
     to offer.
     
     When taking down pictures to be moved, tape the hooks or nails to
     back of pictures.  When you are ready to hang them up in your new
     home you won't have to hunt for them.
     
     
     Traveling Tips:
     
     
     When flying, put identification tags outside and inside of
     luggage.  If tags are lost, the airline will be able to determine
     the luggage is yours.
     
     Keep suitcases smelling fresh by placing a fabric softener sheet
     or a bar of scented soap inside.
     
     Hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your motel door when you are out. 
     Anyone looking for unlocked rooms will think you are inside.
     
     Tie bright colored ribbon to handles to spot your luggage easier
     in a terminal.
     
     When traveling, put dirty clothes in plastic bags to keep clean
     clothes smelling fresh.
     
     Place items that might leak inside plastic zip lock bags.  Leaks
     will be confined to inside of bag and not on clothes.
     
     When packing items that come in plastic bottles (shampoo,
     mouthwash, etc.) squeeze the bottle and force out some of the air
     before tightening the cap.  This causes a partial vacuum and will
     help prevent leakage.
     
     
     Tips for Fishermen:
     
     
     Fishermen, are you tired of trying to find worms at the bottom of
     a can?   Take a can and remove both ends and replace with plastic
     lids.  When your worms are all at the bottom, turn can upside
     down.  
     
     Try some WD-40 on your worms to catch the big ones.
     
     Fishermen or boaters, drill a hole through a large cork and
     fasten your key chain through it.  Keys will float if dropped
     overboard. 
     
     Store your fishing license in an ink pen.  Remove the cartridge
     and replace with rolled license.  Clip to your pocket or store
     inside tackle box.
     
     
       
