Blog Posts by Woman s Day

Playful Party Decor

Complicated planning and pricey decorations? We wouldn't dare suggest such things, especially in summer-season of naps, lounging and total relaxation. No, a successful outdoor get-together only requires good friends, decent weather and a few inexpensive pieces of flair. We found 13 quirky decorating items-all for under $20-that make party prep almost (but not quite) as easy as lounging by the pool. So dive in!




Transform a Simple Pail

Convert these utilitarian carryalls into charming party-favor holders or use them as containers for party necessities like utensils or rolled-up napkins. Another idea: Turn pails into centerpieces by putting potted plants inside. We like these metal ones for their bright colors and versatile size. Bright Metal Small Pails, $10.00 for a set of 12; PlumParty.com.





String Up Some Lights

These solar-powered lanterns bring a minimalist chic flair to any party. During the day, their batteries soak up the sun's rays; at night, the brightly

Stay in Sync
When possible, choose computer software and electronic products that let you
sync (and back up) everything together: to-dos, music, contacts, calendars, etc. Hitting one button keeps it all current.

Zip it Up
Copy all your photos onto a portable hard drive or key chain flash drive. "That way, when you visit others, you can high-tech help take it with you and share photos easily," says Peter Walsh, author of Enough Already! Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You.

Name the Same
Use the same labeling structure for computer files, paper files, email folders. (For example, label them all Family, Health, Work, etc.) "Be consistent and you'll see how easy it is to locate stuff," Walsh says.

Ease your email
Create different folders within your inbox, then apply "filters" to incoming email. (Click Preferences tools or Help in your toolbar.) Once set up, it will automatically sort most mail, letting you postpone communication until you have time. Another trick: If your

Hosting houseguests involves a little more effort than just pulling out the foldout couch. To help make visits more pleasant for everyone involved (including you!) we asked Lizzie Post-great-great-granddaughter of etiquette arbiter Emily Post, author of How Do You Work This Life Thing?, and one of the bloggers behind EtiquetteDaily.com (http://www.etiquettedaily.com)-what she does to keep guests happy during an extended stay. A word of warning: If you play by her rules, be prepared to welcome visitors back for years to come.

1. Set a specific start and end date for the visit.
Your great-aunt's definition of "a long weekend" might be several days longer than your own. Whether your husband has a big work project coming up or you're planning an out of town trip let your guests know when you'll be ready for them and when you'll need them to leave. "A good host can become a bad host very quickly when guests overstay their welcome," says Lizzie.

2. Be a prepared hostess.
Call to confirm

By Kris Wetherbee

Are you constantly juggling appointments or managing the family schedule? Do mounds of messes or endless streams of paperwork have your mind in a frenzy? Here's a thought-provoking piece of advice: You shouldn't even start thinking about getting organized without first considering what makes your brain tick.

Understanding your personality type can help you conquer clutter and bring order back into your life. The rigid rule that says you must put away an item as soon as you're done with it doesn't cut it with everyone. For instance, some brain types work more efficiently by setting aside a small area to accumulate odds and ends, and then returning items to their respective places once that space becomes filled. Here's how to bring efficiency back into your environment with organizing tips customized for your personality.

The Administrator

Systematic in approach and evaluative by nature, you thrive on teamwork and are always eager to lend a hand.

By Kimberly Fusaro

Whether you're in between jobs or looking to pad your savings account, chances are, you could use a little extra cash right now. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make a little money without committing to a new career. Robyn Freedman Spizman, coauthor of Will Work from Home, shares 10 innovative ways you can earn a tidy living-from your own living room. Read on to realize your undiscovered earning potential.

Service on the Dial

• A people person who enjoys telephone contact might find work as an at-home customer service rep. Visit Alpine Access and apply to be one of their Customer Care Professionals. The company hires you as an employee (not an independent contractor), guarantees your schedule and pays for your training. You coordinate with them to decide when you'll work, then you're on standby (from your home) for the customers of one of their many clients.

Tech Genius

• Tech savvy? If you have a background in information technology, you can

By Mervyn Kaufman


Unclutter Your Bathroom

A bathroom is a magnet for stuff- toiletries, towels, grooming gear and cleaning supplies. Often, especially in older homes, it's an odd space, carved out of a closet or tucked into an eave, which means there's not a lot of room for cabinetry. Reining in the clutter can help even the smallest bathroom look new. The first step is to clean out and edit: Making a tiny bath with limited storage work efficiently takes discipline as well as planning. Pare down supplies to only what you use regularly, store back-up elsewhere and toss anything you don't need. Then examine your space, and steal some of these ideas, to make the most of every inch.


Tucked In

Take advantage of unused wall space wherever you find it. Here, cubbies built under the eaves eke out a little more storage for supplies and a decorative item or two.








Right Angles

Two shelves mounted in the corner of the stall shower provide just enough room for soap, sponges, shampoo and

Kimberly Fusaro

Blame it on being overtired, but there's no denying the draw of late-night infomercials. Add to that the urgent cries to "Order now!" and suddenly wearing a Snuggie seems like a great idea. But before you pick up the phone, check out our reviews to see which of the most popular products live up to the hype-and which ones are just let downs.

ShamWow! Towels

We wanted to believe the jumping, jittery guy hawking the ShamWow! towels; we were almost certain his demos weren't exaggerated for TV. But sadly, our tests proved otherwise. While the ShamWow! is reasonably absorbent, it's no better than a synthetic chamois or a plush dishtowel. (Although it does clean glass without leaving streaks behind.) At more than two bucks each, the ShamWow!'s price isn't even that exciting. $19.95 for 8; BuyShamWow.com

Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush

Nothing ruins a summer barbecue faster than a grill grate coated with baked-on food. If you've opened your grill to find last

Make Your Space Yours


Design really is in the details, and those details don't have to cost you hundreds of dollars. With these low-cost ideas that utilize the items you already own and love-along with a few others picked up at garage sales and thrift stores-you can create a home that really lets your personality come through!






Let the Sunshine In


Turn a mirror into a light source. Place a large mirror where it can reflect natural sunlight into a room to give it a warm daytime glow. And with a heavy piece, there's no need to hang it-simply propping it against a wall is just as effective and less stuffy.






Mix 'n' Match


Add personality to a solid-colored sofa with lots of throw pillows (make your own with remnant fabric from design shops) and drape a lovely blanket on the bottom couch cushions for added effect. Go wild and mix patterns, as long as the colors coordinate.






Flower Power


You don't need a big bouquet in a crystal vase to create an interesting floral display. Using a few