Place a sheet of brown paper on a flat surface. Smooth out the paper, then set your picture frame on top of it facing down. Grab the long edges of the paper and pull them over the picture frame, securing them with artist tape. Then, fold the small edges of the paper in, pull them over the picture frame, and hold them in place with more tape. You can purchase brown shipping paper at most craft and shipping supply stores. Buy 4 protective cardboard corners, typically available at a craft supply or shipping store. If they do not come pre-built, put them together by following the instructions included with the purchase or printed on the corners themselves. Then, place a cardboard protector on every corner of your picture frame, better shielding them from impact damage. Grab a sheet of cardboard that is about the same size as your painting. Lay it over the top side of the picture frame so that the glass has an extra layer of defense. Though not necessary, you can secure it to the brown paper with artist tape if you wish. Put down a piece of bubble wrap and set your picture frame on top of it. Grab the long ends of the the protective material and wrap them tightly around your frame, securing them with masking tape. Then, fold the short ends up over the frame and tape them down. For picture frames containing particularly valuable works of art, add 1 to 2 additional layers of bubble wrap. Look for bubble wrap at discount, craft, and shipping supply stores.

Summary: Wrap brown paper around the frame. Use cardboard covers to protect the frame corners. Put a cardboard sheet on the top side of your picture frame. Cover your picture frame with bubble wrap.


Fresh produce can be expensive, but it is an important part of a healthy and satisfying diet. Shop for deals at you local farmer's market, buying only what is in season and inexpensive. For greater savings, visit the market near closing time and ask vendors if they'd be willing to sell some of their remaining stock at a discounted price. Having a limited food budget does not mean that you can't enjoy your dining experiences. Dress up basic foods with extra spices and garnishes to make them more interesting and appetizing. Set the mood for a more luxurious dining experience by plating your food in interesting ways or lighting candles. For instance, dress up boxed macaroni and cheese with garlic flakes and oregano and serve it with a fresh parsley garnish. Potlucks are parties where each guest brings a favorite dish to create a large, eclectic feast. Host potluck gatherings at your home for friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to benefit from their culinary offerings in exchange for your hospitality. Ask guests to share what they will be bringing ahead of time so you can keep track of what foods will be served. Food banks offer groceries to economically disadvantaged people living in the area at no cost. If you are having difficulty affording food, visit a food bank in your area to seek assistance. Food banks are often hosted by churches or other non-profit organizations. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/ to find a food bank near you.

Summary: Visit farmer's markets before closing time to negotiate prices. Dress up affordable meals to make them seem fancier. Host potluck gatherings. Visit a local food bank if you can't make ends meet.


The key to getting the perfect fit is to first make sure that your shoes are sized appropriately. Most Sperry footwear tends to be true-to-size, but it won’t hurt to try on a pair on either side of the size you ordinarily wear, just to be sure.  Sperry’s sizing experts recommends buying leather shoes a half-size smaller than your normal size. Keep in mind that leather shoes will loosen up a bit with regular wear, so don’t be put off if they feel just a hint too snug at first.  A good rule of thumb is that there should be about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) of space between the top of the shoe and your big toe when you’re standing normally. Woven fabrics are typically more comfortable straight out of the box, but don’t change shape the way that leather does. Genuine leather, on the other hand, will conform to your feet more and more over time, eventually fitting like a glove. If you decide to go with a canvas or textile model, stick with your tried-and-true shoe size, since they won’t relax as much with age. Spend some time working problems areas like the toe box and the back of the heel by hand. Take hold of the material and knead, flex, twist, and stretch it in different directions until it begins to offer a little more give. This kind of special attention can enhance the convenience  of a new pair of Top-Siders before they ever touch your feet.  Sperrys are known for their resilience and durability, so don’t be afraid to get rough with them. Insert shoe trees into your Sperrys whenever you’re not wearing them will also prevent them from returning to their original manufactured shape. Massage a small amount of conditioner into each shoe using smooth, circular motions, then wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth. Afterwards, wrap the shoes separately in pieces of newsprint and stash them in a cool, dry place while the oil sets in. You’ll feel the difference after just one treatment.  Gentle natural oils like mink and neatsfoot oil are also safe for use on most types of leather.  In addition to giving the leather uppers a warm, buttery touch, a quality conditioner or oil will also help safeguard your boat shoes from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to moisture and dry air. Throw your Top-Siders on over your bare feet and feel around for threads that stick out further than they’re supposed to or places where the stitching has come loose. When you come across a troublesome thread end, snip it off with a pair of scissors, or pull it free by hand, if it’s also come undone at the opposite end. No more scratchy, irritating sensation when you walk. Be careful not to cut any stitches that are still intact. Doing so could cause your shoes to begin coming apart prematurely.

Summary: Make sure you buy your Top-Siders in the right size. Opt for leather over canvas or textile shoes for a more custom fit. Break in stiff, unyielding spots manually. Use leather conditioner to further soften and protect leather shoes. Remove sharp thread ends on the inside of the shoes to keep them from poking.


Eyeshadow primer is great because it helps lock your eyeshadow in place, creating a longer-lasting look. In addition, you’ll get a more intense color payoff, and the color will go on more smoothly, so it will be easier to blend. If you don’t have eyeshadow primer, use regular face primer instead. If any of the eyeshadow or mascara spilled onto your cheeks, sweep it away with a large makeup brush. Use big, fast strokes to avoid smearing it into your skin. If you do happen to accidentally smear your eyeshadow, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to erase the mistake, and then use your blending brush to fix any lines in your makeup.
Summary: Apply a thin coat of eyeshadow primer. Clean off any excess makeup from your cheeks.