photo by jslander
Taking along a snack is a great idea for kids and adults. It’s simply good planning for any time you’re traveling. You can use any type of container, such as a tote bag, cooler, backpack, box or even an empty plastic baby-wipes tub. While you’re at it, make sure that you have an emergency car kit with essentials such as tools, blanket, flashlight and first-aid supplies.

SNACKS TO GO: When my kids were younger, I always kept a snack box in my car with us. I used inexpensive plastic Rubbermaid shoe boxes that you can buy for around $1. This was a lifesaver for me, because it seemed as if we were always running from one activity to another. Some good snack ideas are packages of peanut-butter crackers, granola bars and small baggies of nuts, sunflower seeds, dry cereal or dried fruit. This really helped in a pinch when the kids’ appetites would kick in and we would be out for at least another hour or so. — Michelle, Tennessee

FRUGAL ART: We have given the kids an ornament each year. I found myself mentally arranging these ornaments in order by year and had the idea to create three-dimensional timelines. We brought out the photo albums and found pictures of the kids at each age, sometimes even playing with the very toys the ornaments represented. We then got out white butcher paper and drew timelines. After taping the pictures onto the paper, each of the kids came up with a title. Then we hung the timelines on the wall and used pushpins to hang the ornaments on them. Now they each have a timeline hanging in their room showing how they have grown and changed. And I have something to help me hold onto the fleeting memories. — Elphie, forums

CARDBOARD-TUBE STORAGE: I had large, empty gift-wrap rolls next to my hair straighteners. My hair straighteners and curling irons are constantly in my way. So I took a razor to the cardboard tubes and cut them to the appropriate length. Then I wrapped them in fabric so they looked presentable. I wrapped up the curling-iron cords and shoved them in the tube — and ta-da! My straighteners and irons are no longer in my way. — Fruya, New York

REUSABLE PET-FOOD BAGS: Dry pet-food bags make excellent garbage bags and can be used many times over. They’re somewhat damp resistant; nothing is foolproof! Since holes can’t be easily poked into them (unlike with plastic garbage bags), they’re ideal for lawn/tree-limb disposal, too. They can be easily placed in a car trunk or the back seat with little fear of leakage. These dry pet-food bags last for weeks or months. — Suzie V., e-mail

DIY TV DINNERS: I went to the dollar store several years ago and purchased a stack of divided plates with lids. I put portions of meat, veggies and dessert in the plates BEFORE I serve dinner. I freeze them and have them on hand for those times I need to grab a TV dinner. — Denise, Illinois

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