Homework: Audubon on birdhouses; Add storage space to doors
Product adds storage to backs of doors
The Cabidor lets you add extra storage space to the back of a door.
The product is a cabinet about 4 inches deep that attaches to the door and its hinges, so it moves with the door. Adjustable shelves let you store items of varying heights, and retention rods keep those things in place when the door swings open or shut.
It comes in two sizes, both available with or without mirrors on the outside, plus a model outfitted specifically for jewelry.
Prices range from $129.99 to $289.99.
Details: 239-643-5573 or www.cabidor.com
Build a betterbirdhouse
One of the best ways to attract desirable birds to your yard is to put up a house where they can raise their young.
Margaret A. Barker and Elissa Wolfson teach readers how to do that in “Audubon Birdhouse Book: Building, Placing and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds.”
The book explains why birds need nesting sites, profiles some notable humans who have taken up the cause of protecting birds and discusses threats to birds, such as predators and pesticides.
The bulk of the book, though, is dedicated to plans and instructions for building birdhouses appropriate for the particular types of birds you want to attract. There's also behavioral information about your winged neighbors and information to help you protect them from predators and maintain their nesting boxes.
“Audubon Birdhouse Book” is published by Voyageur Press and sells for $24.99 in softcover.
Post-holidaycleaning tips
Now that all the holiday parties are over and the guests have gone home, it's time to check your house for inadvertent damage.
One common problem is watermarks on wooden furniture left by sweaty glasses.
The easiest way to remove a watermark, according to Elizabeth Mayhew, a “Today” show style expert and former magazine editor, is to spread about two tablespoons of mayonnaise on a paper towel. Place the paper towel, mayonnaise side down, on the watermark and press gently. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Lift the paper towel and check the stain. If the mark is still there, repeat with more mayonnaise. When the mark is gone, gently wipe off the mayonnaise and polish the furniture as you normally would.
She also has tips for picking up pine needles after you take out the Christmas tree.
Pine needles clog a regular vacuum cleaner, so, unless you have a shop/canister vacuum, avoid using one. Begin by manually sweeping up as many of the needles as you can, then use either a sticky adhesive lint roller or a piece of duct tape wrapped around your hand to pick up the rest.
— Staff and wire reports
Send Homework items to Features in care of Sue Jones, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, D.L. Clark Building, 503 Martindale St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212; fax 412-320-7966; or email sjones@tribweb.com.
