...below is some bits and pieces from Amandas' book of handy hints, um...just don't try this at home kids !!!

Fingernails

Gardening is a wonderful way of relaxing. There's nothing better than bing in the great outdoors with your hands in the soil. But don't you hate getting dirt under your fingernails? Well, there is a way to avoid that. Simply pull off your nails before you begin!

Composting

If you're a keen gardener, you can save time by using your crisper drawer as a compost bin. Be honest - you know it's going to happen anyway!

Leaves

I love walking in my garden in winter, but every year I have the same problem. All my trees shed their leaves, making a terrible mess, and leaving the branches bare and ugly. Well, there's a solution. Just staple the dead leaves back on. It makes the trees look pretty again, and maybe they'll think twice about shedding next year.

Kids on your lawn

If you're sick of kids trampling all over your garden, why not place a few dog droppings strategically on the grass? That's sure to keep them away.

Take a note

Don't throw out those old newspapers and magazines when you can easily cut out letters to make a ransom note. Looks great doesn't it?

Pens

Don't throw out those leaky pens. Just dangle them in the toilet so that with every flush you'll have lovely blue water.

Travel

Sick of lost luggage at the airport? Do what I do, just pack some illegal narcotics along with your clothes. That way, airport security will probably deliver your bags by hand.

Bookmark

Everyone loves to read but it can be a real nuisance when you lose your place. Here's a solution. When you finish reading a page, just tear it out. You'll save money on bookmarks too!

Jigsaw

Doing jigsaw's is great fun but it certainly takes a long time. So to make it faster and easier the next time I do it, I number each piece.

Wine Stains

Red wine stains on the carpet can be a real problem, but here's a solution. Chalk ! Simply use it to draw the outline of a body around the stain. It will make a great talking point at parties.

Oven Smells

If you're bothered by bad smells from your oven, why not cook something that smells nice for a change?

Kitchen Scourer

You can recycle and save money too by making your own kitchen scourer pad. All you do is cut off the foot of a pair of pantyhose and stuff it with nail clippings. Toenails are best, but fingernails are great for those delicate sufaces.

Sun protection

The Australian sun can quickly fade your curtains and furniture. But there is a way to keep out those harmful UVs. Just smear your windows with sunscreen. Easy !

Parking tickets

Parking tickets are an expensive fact of life for most drivers. But I've found a way of making sure they never leave a ticket on my car. Whenever I park my car I leave my windscreen wipers going.

Pet food

Here's a money saving tip. A medium-sized Jehovah's Witness makes a cheap, delicious and nutritious meal for your Rottweiler.

Easter

Easter eggs are getting more and more expensive every year. But here's a way to save money when it comes time for that annual Easter egg hunt. Don't actually hide any!

Bird Droppings

If you're worried about birds dropping mulberry stains all over your Porsche, here's what to do. Get yourself a purple Torana instead!

ANYWAYS...if you want to read the rest, you'll have to find a copy of Amanda's book - somewhere, so ner :P