photo by mel b
Grocery prices are going up, and it makes sense to focus on your food budget. One way is to make an organized menu plan. For some people, it’s easy to do. You simply list your family favorites and organize them week to week. Keep the list handy in a notebook, on a white board, spreadsheet, calendar, index cards or stuck on the refrigerator. Some people plan their …

Packaged cookies are expensive. They taste inferior to homemade, too. Healthy snacks such as cut fruit and vegetables are tasty, but your family might want an occasional treat. For the days you don’t want to fuss with drop cookies, bars are quick, easy and foolproof. Keep them in your recipe box for holiday time, too.
Peanut-Butter-Cup Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 …

photo by oskay (click for LED garden light tutorial, too)
DEAR SARA: What can I use in place of English-muffin molds? I have found a recipe to make homemade English muffins. I have the griddle but not English-muffin molds. They sell them on Amazon.com for $3.99 for four, but I really don’t want to buy them online. If I can recycle something or repurpose something first, I’d rather. If there is …

photo by sciondriver
Pots or pans are often used to soak dirty utensils. But you risk getting cut when reaching in to grab a fork or knife. The first tip solves that problem. Utensils can stand up, and you can see what you’re grabbing. And putting them away will be a breeze, too.
PRE-SOAK AND SORT UTENSILS: I have a big, thick-walled jar that I keep filled with water (if I …