photo by clean wal-mart
Ever store plastic grocery bags on the bottom of your bathroom wastebasket? The first tip is similar but even better. This would definitely help for the times the bag breaks as you’re removing it.

LINE IT: Double- or triple-line your kitchen trash can. Just grab the full bag and go. The trash can is already lined. It’s nice for parties. If someone puts a cup in the trash with liquid in it, the liners will save you from scrubbing the can later. — Erika, Florida

TWO TIPS: First, I came across this site at 1800shortcuts.net, which I find to be a timesaver. It gives the toll-free numbers for a huge number of companies. Plus, it gives the shortcut to get through the automated system and get a real person on the line. Second, here’s a cool little device: It’s called the “Kill a Watt.” It’s an electricity-usage monitor. You plug something into it, and it determines how many kilowatts it uses. It’s a great way to track down what appliances use the most energy. — F.G., Indiana

‘TIS THE SEASON TO FIX THAT GRILL: With dismal sales this year, you should be able to find grill parts still hanging around at your local big-box store. Some people don’t realize that when the grill “goes,” it just needs a new burner, which is easily replaced. Also, you can buy fireproof black paint to freshen up the appearance of your grill. Lava rocks may still be available, as well. I didn’t have a grill and wanted one, so, for about $40 for the grill and parts, I have a great one. Just thought I would pass along the tip and save grills from the landfill. — R.G.C., Florida

EASY BOOKMARK: With pinking shears, cut one edge of a cereal box (on the corner). The corner will form the fold. Once the corner is cut down the side of the box, you’ll have one long strip with a crease. Cut this strip into fourths to make four individual bookmarks. You can decorate each bookmark any way that you want to. Add a magnet to each side of the bookmark on the inside. You slip this over the pages of a book to hold your place. You can use cardstock if you want. Makes an easy gift. — Candace, New Hampshire

Do you have a fun bookmark craft?

COUPON ORGANIZER: I’ve been using a Rubbermaid shoebox for coupons. I tried using a binder with baseball-card sleeves, but I didn’t like it. My coupon box was getting full, and the tabs on the top of my dividers scrape me. The box was hard to access because it only fits sideways, so I have to stand to the side of the cart. I got to thinking about what I could do, and it hit me that I could use soft-sided insulated lunchboxes. This is the rectangular, small-cooler type. My son had a couple in the cabinet, so I tested them. I liked it, so I went and bought two at the dollar store. I put cardboard in the bottom to make it sturdier. They are small enough to fit all of my coupons (two lunchboxes) side by side in the cart. For my restaurant coupons, I organize them in a small photo album and keep them in my purse at all times. — Denise, California

How do you organize your coupons?

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