Real Simple 869 New Uses for Old Things: An Encyclopedia of Innovative Ideas for Everyday Items Book

Ok, I didn't read every tip. But the format sucks one in and I know that I read more than enough to justify my rating. Bad ideas, pretty book with some pretty photos (pretty is what gets the second star.)

I mean, I just thought, well, I keep throwing away certain things that it seems like I should be able to use for something, like the plastic bubbles in shipping cartons for example, and so maybe this book will give me ideas for some of the stuff I'm accumulating, like fabric salvaged from stained tablecloths or sheets. Um, no.

The weirdest things are assumed to be just hanging around collecting dust. Vodka. A stepstool. A soup tureen. And the same 'problems' get solved over and over again. Check it out if your library has it, but don't buy it, even for a gift.

And when you actually do have a problem, search online for tips to solve it... you'll find plenty.

That said, I did write down six things that I might do. I might use a straw to strengthen a flower stem to make the bouquet taller & less floppy, if there are enough other flowers and greens to hide the straw.

Disclaimer: I have read a couple dozen issues of the magazine over the years, and I do always read the tips page that inspired this book. Once I even saved that page, back when I had extra aluminum foil because Costco-size rolls... but actually, darned if I can remember using any of those tips....