Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com Making Your Life Easier, Ten Tips At A Time! Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 en tip_divahttp://feedburner.google.com Top Ten Tips - Making More Space In Your Dorm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/s7Z_3YV6xag/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/06/top-ten-tips-making-more-space-in-your-dorm/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/06/top-ten-tips-making-more-space-in-your-dorm/ closet2Dorm rooms aren’t exactly the biggest or most comfortable living areas, especially if you live with other people. Here’s how to make the most out of the limited space you have:

  • Bring The Minimum Amount Of Items - Don’t bring more than you need from home. Instead of bringing your whole shoe or stuffed animal collection, only bring what’s important to you.
  • Pack Seasonally - Don’t bring your snow boots and swimsuit - pack seasonally.
  • Divide The Space Evenly - Make sure both you and your roommate have an equal amount of space - you’re not going to have much closet space if his or her clothes are hogging 75 percent of it.
  • Share - Instead of bringing two TVs, two stereos and other space-hogging items, talk to your roommate about splitting up who’s bringing what. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Packing For Your First Dorm Room.
  • Put Your Bed On Risers - If your dorm allows, put your bed on bed risers or cement bricks. It could give you enough space to store extra boxes, or even the mini-fridge.
  • Buy Closet Organizers - Shoe organizers, stackable boxes, overdoor organizers, add-on hangers and other organization systems will help you both maximize and save space.
  • Buy Stackable Boxes - Buy stackable boxes to store everything from stationary to your shoes. Being able to stack things high will save you horizontal space on bookshelves and in closets.
  • Use Modifiable Bookshelves - Buy bookshelves that can be modified - for instance, they can be built in many different configurations, can be split or have shelves that could be moved. You can then modify them to your space needs.
  • Use Drawer Organizers - Draw organizers can help you save vital space in your desk drawers and help you find things easier.
  • Put Shelves Up - If you’re not allowed to put shelves on the wall, buy a hutch that you can put on your desk, or even put a bookshelf on top of your desk. Just make sure it’s sturdy.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/06/top-ten-tips-making-more-space-in-your-dorm/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/06/top-ten-tips-making-more-space-in-your-dorm/ Tipsy Tuesday - Twentysomething Edition http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/lJSpT_ga-Pk/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/05/tipsy-tuesday-twentysomething-edition/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/05/tipsy-tuesdays-twentysomething-edition/ twentysomethingsWelcome to this week’s edition of Tipsy Tuesday, which will review some of the best tips blogs from around the Web. This edition focuses on Twentysomethings. Make sure to check out these great blogs, and feel free to nominate some of your own!


Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/05/tipsy-tuesday-twentysomething-edition/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/05/tipsy-tuesday-twentysomething-edition/ Top Ten Tips - Being A Courteous Supermarket Shopper http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/d4tWV0NXIaI/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/04/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-supermarket-shopper/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/04/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-supermarket-shopper/ shoppingcartsNot many people like grocery shopping - Tip Diva included. But she mostly dislikes it for the rude shoppers she encounters every time she goes. Don’t be one of them:

  • Watch Your Child - Keep your child by your side or in the child seat. Don’t let him run around, grab things off of shelves or annoy other shoppers. Discipline him if he misbehaves. If he’s prone to acting out in the supermarket, try to leave him home with a babysitter.
  • Help People Who Can’t Reach Things - If you see someone struggling to reach something, offer to help or to find someone who could help.
  • Don’t Block The Aisle With Your Cart - Move your cart to the side so other shoppers can get through. Double parking in the supermarket is just as bad as in the street!
  • Put Things Back Where You Find Them - Tip Diva has found a juicy London broil hanging among Vogue and People magazines more than once. Make sure you put something back in its correct place so other could find it. If you don’t want something by the time you’re at the checkout, give it to the cashier - there’s usually a basket up front for items that need to go back to their correct locations.
  • Use Paper Or Tongs In The Bakery - Don’t scratch your behind, pick your nose, then go sorting through the donuts and rolls. Use the provided tongs or paper to pick out bakery items.
  • Report Spills And Other Disasters - If you drop something or come upon broken glass or spills, report it immediately to a supermarket worker.
  • Stay In Line - Once you get in line, don’t leave without your cart. If you remember you forgot a can of beans and have to run back, bring your cart with you - don’t hold up others in line.
  • Follow Express Lane And Self-Checkout Rules - If you have more than a certain amount of items or don’t know how to use the self-checkout lane by yourself, stay out of those lanes and allow others to speed up.
  • Have Your Money And Coupons Ready - Don’t delay others by searching for your wallet or that certain coupon. Have them ready before you check out.
  • Put Your Shopping Cart Back - Don’t let it hog a parking space or leave it where it could roll into another car.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/04/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-supermarket-shopper/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/04/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-supermarket-shopper/ Top Ten Tips - Throwing A Decade-Themed Party http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/SPVjkEYYrGI/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/03/top-ten-tips-throwing-a-decade-themed-party/#comments Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/03/top-ten-tips-throwing-a-decade-themed-party/ discoballDecade-themed parties are a nostalgic, fun way to celebrate something. Here are ways to bring back the good old days:

  • Make Themed Invitations - If you can’t find themed invitations at a party story, make some of your own on the computer. Take images of famous figures, clothes or other events and paste them into a Word document with the party details. For more on invitations, see Top Ten Tips - Sending Out Event Invitations.
  • Ask People To Come In Costume - Costumes are always a fun idea, but make it optional - a lot of people don’t like to dress up. You could provide small costume items, however, like love beads from the 1970s or funky sunglasses from the 1980s, for everyone to wear.
  • Decorate With Posters Or Magazine Ads From The Decade - You can buy old magazines or posters from eBay or garage sales, or just print out pictures from the Internet.
  • Serve Foods Popular In That Decade - Serve snacks and foods from the decade. You can find of lot of decade-themed candies and snacks from Oriental Trading, The Vermont Country Store and Candy Direct.
  • Make Mixed CDs Or Playlists With The Top Songs - Search for the top songs of your decade in Google to find out what to put in your playlist. Or go to your local music store and find decade-themed CD collections. You can even try your hand (or voice) at karaoke.
  • Have TV or Movie Clips Playing In The Background - Put on a DVD or video of your favorite TV show or movie from the decade and have it playing in the background.
  • Teach Dances Popular In That Decade - Whether it’s the Mashed Potato from 1960s or the Macarena from the 1990s, teach everyone popular dances from the decade.
  • Have A Trivia Contest - Find your own trivia from the Internet, or buy a decade themed trivia game - Trivial Pursuit makes many decade-themed games.
  • Make Decade-Themed Games - There are a lot of games you can make by yourself, from trivia to guessing the name of a song.
  • Give Decade-Themed Toys And Books As Prizes - You can find decade-themed toys and books at toy stores, book stores, garage sales, eBay and more. Try asking for themed items at Freecycle - you’ll be amazed at what people will part with.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/03/top-ten-tips-throwing-a-decade-themed-party/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/03/top-ten-tips-throwing-a-decade-themed-party/ Top Ten Tips - Being A Courteous College Roommate http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/lsjeEu6DZZI/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-college-roommate/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:01:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-college-roommate/ roommatesA college dorm room is the first time many people live with another roommate, and it can be quite a lifestyle shock. But knowing what to expect and respect each other can make all the difference:

  • Set The Rules Early - Make sure you get all essential rules ironed out before you start living together, like lights-out time, guest rules, smoking and drinking policies and what’s shared and what’s not. Making rules up as you go only causes stressful situations.
  • Don’t Expect Roommate To Be Your Best Friend - Your roommate may eventually become your best friend, but don’t expect it from the outset. You’re both trying to fit in and make new friends, but don’t monopolize your roommate’s time.
  • Split Space Evenly - Make sure everyone has equal space and access in the room, from the closet to the refrigerator.
  • Respect Each Other’s Privacy And Stuff - You may feel like you have access to both your roommate’s life and things just because you live together, but guess what? You don’t. If a roommate doesn’t want to talk about something, don’t press the issue. Don’t borrow things without asking. And do not snoop through your roommate’s things.
  • Let Your Roommate Know About Guests - If you have someone visiting or staying over your room, let your roommate know ahead of time. And respect your roommate’s wishes - he or she may not want to be interrupted the week of mid-terms, for instance.
  • Keep Your Mess To A Minimum - Restrict your papers, clothes and other items to your own area. Clean up anything dirty, like dishes, immediately, and do not let your area get to the point where your roommate might be embarrassed to have guests over.
  • Don’t Be A Hog - If you share resources - like the television set or mini-fridge, for instance - make sure you don’t hog space or use of the item.
  • Respect Sleeping And Studying Habits - If your roommate needs to study and you want friends over, it’s not going to mix well. Go elsewhere with your friends. Same with sleeping. There are other areas around campus to hang out. And never interrupt your roommate’s studying or sleeping with distractions such as loud music or talking on the phone.
  • Don’t Do Anything That Might Get Your Roommate In Trouble - If you like to go against rules, don’t do anything in your room that might get your roommate in trouble. A lot of dorms have guilt-by-association or guilt-by-location rules. If you’re underage and drinking, yet your roommate is not, he or she may still be written up.
  • Don’t Sexile Your Roommate - If you want to be involved in intimate relations with someone, ask your roommate when he or she will not be in the dorm room. Never lock your roommate out for your convenience.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-college-roommate/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/top-ten-tips-being-a-courteous-college-roommate/ Carnival Of Tips - August 2, 2008 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/iOFpyNw6jWg/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/carnival-of-tips-august-2-2008/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/03/15/carnival-of-tips-august-2-2008/ Welcome to the August 2, 2008 edition of Carnival of Tips. We had over 30 great entries this week on:

Finance, Savings & Investment:

Home:

Relationships:

Self:

Sports & Fitness:

Technology:

Travel:

Websites & Blogging:

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival Of Tips using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page And check out the following Carnivals Tip Diva recently participated in:


Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/carnival-of-tips-august-2-2008/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/02/carnival-of-tips-august-2-2008/ Top Ten Tips - Packing For Your First Dorm Room http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/-_u-42o4Fbo/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/01/top-ten-tips-packing-for-your-first-dorm-room/#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/01/top-ten-tips-packing-for-your-first-dorm-room/ girlinbedMoving into your first dorm room can be an exciting experience. But what should you bring?

  • Talk To Your Future Roommate - Many items can be shared, like television sets, a refrigerator and phone. Call your future roommate and discuss who’s bringing what so there are no duplicates. If you have to purchase big items, make sure to split it up fairly; one person buy the TV, while another buy the mini-fridge, etc. Whatever you do, don’t go splitsies on singular items until you know your roommate well - if one of you has to move out, there could be an argument about what belongs to whom.
  • Bring The Basics First - eCampusTours.com has a great list of dorm room basics and what not to forget. Always make sure to bring the minimum until you know how big the room is.
  • Check What You’re Not Allowed To Bring - Each college has its own rules and regulations on what you may or may not bring to your door room, especially items with a fire hazard. The rules can vary from dorm to dorm, so make sure you check with the school first. And buy sticky tape instead of thumb tacks to affix posters and pictures on the wall - many schools don’t want you nailing things to the wall.
  • Hit Stores Now - Go to stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond now - July and August is the best selection for back-to-school items.
  • Purchase An Lockable Trunk Or Safe - You may trust your roommate, but there will possibly be lots of people going in and out of your room. Invest in a lockable steamer trunk or safe where you can store valuables or stash your computer while you’re not in the room.
  • Stock Up On Food - Bringing your own food is a must, because you’ll either get sick of your meal plan at some point or find yourself short on cash. Buy foods that are easy to make in a microwave or hot pot; also stash “to-go” type foods like energy bars or 100-calorie snack packs.
  • Buy A Hot Pot - If your dorm allows, invest in a hot pot. You can make all sorts of items with it, from tea to boiled eggs.
  • Get Flip-Flops - Flip-flops are a must if you share a bathroom. Wear them in the shower or any communal area where people are walking around in bare feet. Athlete’s foot? Plantar warts? Ick!
  • Buy Cleaning Supplies - At the very least, make sure you have Lysol wipes to wipe down and disinfect surfaces. Window cleaner, Febreeze, air freshener and fabric stain remover are also helpful.
  • Buy Insect Sprays - Lots of messy college students living in one area? Expect bugs like ants and cockroaches (the latter, especially, if you go to a college in a big city). The school has access to exterminators, but they will temporarily do the job until one is called in.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/01/top-ten-tips-packing-for-your-first-dorm-room/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/08/01/top-ten-tips-packing-for-your-first-dorm-room/ Top Ten Tips - Staying Safe At The Beach http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/2OnFJJYiVRs/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-tips-staying-safe-at-the-beach/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:01:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-tips-staying-safe-at-the-beach/ sandThere’s nothing like a day at the beach - unless you aren’t careful. You should be coming home smiling and relaxed, not sunburned, stung and hurting all over. Here are ways to stay safe at the beach:

  • Listen To The Lifeguards - The sea water may look calm, but that doesn’t mean danger doesn’t lie about. Listen to the lifeguards, don’t ignore those whistles and stay within designated swimming areas.
  • Never Swim Alone - If you’re pulled under, having another person with you makes it easier to spot you and let a lifeguard know if you’re in trouble.
  • Know What To Do If You Are Caught In A Rip Current - This article tells you what to do if caught in a riptide - a must read, especially during hurricane season, when riptides are more prominent.
  • Don’t Go In Prohibited Areas - Prohibited areas are off-limits for a reason. So stay where the lifeguards tell you to stay.
  • Protect Yourself From The Sun - Sun, sand and water equal a higher probability of your getting burned, so protect yourself. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Staying Safe In The Sun.
  • Protect Your Feet - Hot pavement and sand can burn your tootsies, so bring a pair of sandals or other footwear with you.
  • Stay Hydrated - Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to keep you from getting heatstroke.
  • Watch For Dangerous Sea Creatures - Jellyfish, Portuguese Man O’ Wars and other sea creatures can cause painful bites or stings, which some people can have very bad reactions to.
  • Watch For Holes In The Sand - Watch for deep holes left behind from abandoned sandcastles and shovel-happy children. You can wind up hurting your ankle otherwise.
  • Buy A Waterproof Key Holder - Instead of leaving your purse or wallet in the car or on your beach blanket, buy a waterproof key holder/wallet. You can strap it to your wrist or hang it around your neck while swimming, and your money, keys and license won’t get wet - or possibly stolen.

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-tips-staying-safe-at-the-beach/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-tips-staying-safe-at-the-beach/ Top Ten Everything - July 2008 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/99j2u94YYxM/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-everything-july-2008/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-everything-july-2008/ Top Ten Top Ten Tips:

Top Ten Referrers:

Top Ten Entrecard Droppers:

Top Ten Visiting Countries:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • India
  • Phillipines
  • Germany
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • The Netherlands

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-everything-july-2008/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/31/top-ten-everything-july-2008/ Top Ten Tips - Greening Your Bathroom http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tip_diva/~3/QWKcZy3Xatw/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/30/top-ten-tips-greening-your-bathroom/#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0000 Tip Diva http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/30/top-ten-tips-greening-your-bathroom/ toiletpaperIf you’re looking to become more green, why not start with your bathroom? Here are ways to conserve energy, water and more:

  • Install Low-Flow Shower Heads And Faucet Aerators - According to Eartheasy, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce household water consumption by as much as 50 percent and reduce the energy needed to heat water by as much as 50 percent.
  • Make Your Toilet More Water Efficient - Eartheasy also says that normal toilets use 3 to 5 gallons of water per flush, but installing plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank can save ten or more gallons a day. For their tips on water conservation, including toilets, visit 25 Ways To Conserve Water At Home.
  • Swap Your Lightbulbs - If you’re still using incandescent bulbs in the bathroom, switch them to energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. Just look for the Energy Star label when you go shopping.
  • Buy A Towel Rack - When you dry yourself off with a towel, you’re clean, so drying the towel and reusing it will save you from doing laundry more often. If you pile the towels on top of each other, they’re not going to dry and just get smelly and moldy; a towel rack separates them for faster drying.
  • Allow More Natural Light In - If you have a window, forget the window blinds. Instead, install window film, which allows privacy, yet lets natural light through. You won’t have to turn on the lights during the day.
  • Open Your Window - Opening the window allows moisture, which promotes mold, to escape. You’ll cut down on cleaning.
  • Use Natural Cleaning Products - Instead of harsh chemicals, try natural cleaning products like Ecover or Seventh Generation. Or even try baking soda as a scrub and white vinegar as a shower rinse and glass/ceramic cleaner.
  • Refill Shampoo, Conditioner And Soap Containers - Instead of buying small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and soap, buy economy-sized bottles and fill the bottles you already have.
  • Buy Recycled Paper Products - Try purchasing toilet paper and tissue made out of recycled paper. Seventh Generation has a great line of recycled paper products.
  • Watch Your Water Consumption - Shorten your showers. Turn off the water while shampooing and brushing your teeth. Don’t throw non-human waste in the toilet bowl. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Easy Ways To Conserve .

Other Tips To Check Out:

]]> http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/30/top-ten-tips-greening-your-bathroom/feed/ http://www.tipdiva.com/2008/07/30/top-ten-tips-greening-your-bathroom/