We hear from readers often, and just LOVE this. They share great insights and ideas that we pay close attention to. Colleen Kilmer, longtime subscriber shared some awesome ideas way back in July of 2011. Thanks to my "brilliant filing system," I misplaced these. But joy of joys, I just found them and want to pass on her wisdom now. Here's a belated public THANK YOU, Colleen!

Colleen's TIP 1: If you have dull scissors, you can use a piece of foil that is folded in half and cut it into strips to sharpen your scissors in a pinch? It only takes a few slices, and voila! Nice sharp scissors.

Colleen's TIP 2: When dealing with sunburn, BEFORE you put anything on the burn, run enough room temp/cool water in your bathtub to cover you to your neck and add 1 pint of vinegar (2 cups). Slide in and relax as it pulls the heat out of the burn. The water will literally heat up from the heat it removes from your body. When it gets uncomfortably warm, that is your cue to get out, pat the burns dry and then apply aloe if you have it. If you put anything on the burn before you soak, this approach will not work.

[ME: This time of year you can also get snow-burned. You can use this same technique - just splash the vinegar water on your face over and over. Close your eyes tightly, of course.]

Colleen's TIP 3: Speaking of vinegar, put some vinegar (maybe 1/4 cup) in a pan of water and allow it to simmer while you are cooking fish, cabbage or greens. This helps fight the fishy odor that always lingers.

Colleen's TIP 4: Baking soda - man (and woman's) best friend! Baby have diaper rash? Add a couple of tablespoons to room temperature water and set the baby in it. It works to help remove the burn but, don't leave in more than 3-4 minutes. Also, keep some baking soda liquid in a clean basin to sponge the little one at diaper changes, before adding a soothing cream. This works well on liquid scalds also.

Colleen's TIP 5: More from the baking soda department: The secret to removing built up hair spray and gels? Put a blob of shampoo in your hand, sprinkled with about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, then rub well into your hair. Scrub and notice how quickly this removes the built-up gunk. Rinse well and squeeze the water out; hair becomes literally squeaky clean!

Colleen's TIP 6: Still more from the baking soda category: Want to keep odors out of closets, coolers, luggage, car trunks, etc.? Put 1/4-1/2 cup of baking soda in an old sock or a square of cloth. Tie it up and put it in the item you wish to keep fresh. I use it in my fridge and freezers! Works in sneakers too.

Colleen's final and very cool TIP 7: I collect tips for making life easier that use basic household items, and I have added a cookbook called "Household Tips" to my Cook'n Recipe Organizer. I love finding new information and watching this cookbook grow. It's wonderful to have an organized, single spot for all this very handy information!

Sources:
www.thisoldhouse.com
www.pinterest.com
www.abcnews.go.com
www.heartstrong.wordpress.com
www.art.com
www.jennysblessednest.blogspot.com
www.maggieslosingit.blogspot.com
www.cookingendeavors.com