Reader's Digest

Plum Mind Stretchers Trivia Challenge

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:24:53 +0000

Ready to challenge your general knowledge? There is a range of trivia challenges here for you - good luck!

Mind Stretchers Puzzles

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:23:32 +0000

Ready to challenge yourself with these trivia questions? You're guaranteed to exercise your brain, have fun and widen your general knowledge while you're there!

How to cut a hole in a benchtop

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:26:04 +0000

Save money by cutting the hole for the sink and installing it yourself, ready for the plumber to connect the water and waste lines. The cutting process is the same whether the benchtop is laminated particleboard or timber, but for granite you need different tools. Use the same technique when cutting a hole for hotplates or a bench-mounted rubbish bin.

How to replace drawer runners

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:10:59 +0000

A drawer slide, also called a runner, is made up of two parts with one secured to the drawer and the other to the inside of the cabinet. Replace the runners if they become rough or sticky or the rollers break. TIP Avoid slamming drawers, let them close slowly so they don’t bounce in the slides.

How to repair melamine edging on shelves and doors

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:52:56 +0000

Melamine strips on shelving and doors can become chipped and torn. Remove the damaged edge and iron on a new one costing about $10 for a 10 metre roll 21mm wide. Iron-on melamine strip is used to edge timber-based products such as MDF, particleboard or plywood shelving. It comes in a range of colours and veneer finishes and is backed with hot-melt adhesive that bonds when heated with an iron. Remove the old strip by softening the adhesive with a hot iron. Peel off with a scraper, remove remaining adhesive then use 80 grit abrasive paper wrapped around a cork sanding block to smooth, ready for new edging.

How to secure new handles on a cabinet

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:33:36 +0000

Choose slimline handles when installing cabinetry as they don’t work loose over time. Buy a handle template or make a jig to drill accurate holes. TIP Handles come with machine screws that are usually longer than required. Measure the door thickness plus 3mm then clamp the screw in a vice and use a hacksaw to cut it to length.

How to adjust cabinet doors

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:09:01 +0000

A cabinet door can drop or become misaligned. Reset it using the adjustment screws on the hinges. TIP There should be a gap of about 2mm between the doors and end panels and 3mm between top of the doors and the benchtop.

5 Interesting Food & Health Tips

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:19:22 +0000

Here are five interesting food and health tips that we bet you didn't know about! Share with family and friends.

5 Funny Quotes

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:42:46 +0000

These quotes are funny and poignant at the same time. Share with your family and friends.

5 Hilarious Jokes

Mon, 14 May 2012 23:54:58 +0000

Laugh your way through life with these timely and funny jokes that will leave a smile on your face.

Cranberry and banana rice pudding recipe

Mon, 14 May 2012 09:22:15 +0000

This could really be called a sweet risotto as it uses risotto rice. The starchy grains are ideal as they create a creamy-textured milk pudding in less than 20 minutes. Rather than sweetening it with lots of sugar, it is simmered with dried bananas and cranberries, both of which add natural sweetness.

How to repair ridge cap roof tiles

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:13:00 +0000

Exposure to weather eventually cracks the inflexible mortar usually used to hold ridge capping tiles, making repairs essential to avoid leaks. Always wear a harness when working on the roof.

Top 10 comedy movies

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:18 +0000

Here’s a list of some of the funniest films from the past 30 years for your next movie night

My favourite comedy movie is…

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:19:26 +0000

Where do you get the majority of your news from?

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:47:21 +0000

How to install a new windowsill

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:23:23 +0000

A window frame usually has a sill, a base, two stiles and a head. The corners are connected using housing joints that are primed and secured with galvanised hardware.

Laying mosaic tiles

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:03:37 +0000

Mosaic tiles come in sheets with a fabric mesh backing. They are a good DIY option, being much easier to fit around obstacles than full-size ceramic tiles.

Glazed banana French toast recipe

Tue, 08 May 2012 23:58:10 +0000

Based on two childhood favourites – ‘eggy bread’ and comforting banana sandwiches – this more glamorous version is bound to become a new favourite with family and friends. Other fruit, such as strawberries and pears, can be used, with brioche slices or other bread as the base.

How to replace particleboard

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:53:27 +0000

Particleboard can be damaged by exposure to moisture or dropped objects. Measure the replacement square to fit between joist centres and add trimmers to prevent movement.

How to repair a hole in plaster

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:22:29 +0000

If a section of plaster comes away from the wall, tap around the hole to check that there isn’t more loose plaster before doing the repair.