Don't throw away shoe polish that's hardened and broken in the tin - place it in the bottom of a warm oven for a couple of minutes and it'll be soft enough to use.

If gummed labels or postage stamps stick together, cover with a sheet of thin paper and press lighlty with a warm iron. They will seperate easily and the gum will be unaffected.

Old nylon pan scrubbers can be unwound to give long lengths of very strong nylon cord.

Coat straw beach hats and bags with clear varnish. It will stop the straw splitting and give longer life.

Cut flowers will stay fresh if you add a little tonic water to the vase water.

When filling a hot water bottle for the first time, put a few drops of glycerine into the water. This will make the rubber more supple.

submitted by Floozie2U@aol.com
Small sponges made wet and then frozen make good ice packs for children.