Real Simple Solutions

I've subscribed to the magazine on and off for five or more years, and I love the solutions section in that. I hate to hold on to magazines for too long, though, because of the clutter they add to, so this is a perfect solution (excuse the pun!) to that problem. Solutions are organized into the following sections, with features I like listed under each: 1. Grooming --Love the beauty basics, take-care-of-yourself calendar, suggestion to use chapstick on rough elbows, tip to use baking soda on a damp sponge to remove crayon from the wall 2. Getting Dressed --Love the wardrobe savers (like hanging a lint roller on the bedroom doorknob with a pretty ribbon to have a handy once-over), the tip to use a wire hanger to diffuse static cling, and the suggestion to use a lightbulb to de-wrinkle a ribbon 3. In the Kitchen --My favorite part here was the cooking and baking substitutes chart, and I'll use several of the recipes as well. I'll also have to try the using vinegar ice cubes in the garbage disposal to get rid of the funk there. 4. In the Office --The cover art from this book (old spice containers repurposed to hold small office supplies) comes from this chapter, but I think this was the weakest chapter in the book. A lot of it focused on organization, which is better addressed in Real Simple: The Organized Home, which I also recommend. 5. Cleaning --This chapter has a marvelous stain-removal guide which I may copy and hang in my laundry room for quicker reference. I'll also be using dampened rubber gloves to remove cat hair from my sofas. 6. Decorating --I like this chapter, full of random tips for setting up a bookshelf and adding a colored trim to a lampshade. 7. Entertaining --I'm sure this would be useful to others, but we don't entertain very often. I did like the tips for place settings and centerpieces, as well as their many uses for coffee filters. 8. Celebrating --This Christmas I will DEFINITELY use their tip to string Christmas tree lights from the top of the tree to the bottom instead of around and around - super duper time saver! Plus they have the cutest and easiest idea for Christmas cookies (slice-and-bake coated in raw sugar with an almond or M & M tree on top). My husband has used their how-to-carve-a-turkey tips too. I wold give this as a housewarming gift (or wedding gift, though I might opt for the hardcover for such an occasion). So useful!

I love all the Real Simple products!!!This book is a great reference item, it tells about how to remove stains, clean, shorten chores and cooking tips. It is a great book!!!

Bought it for my sis. She loves it. Plenty of practical ideas to make everyday run a little smoother.

Love this book! If you're in to modern storage solutions or want the best of the best products... this is your book! Great coffee table book.

I'm a fan of Real Simple magazine, so this book hit the spot for me. It gives you ideas for reusing items. Now I know what to do with the stack of dryer sheets that I'd been saving. There are inexpensive tips and lots of how-to advice. Some may sound familiar, but there's bound to be some you had not thought of before.