photo by lucyfrench123 DEAR SARA: I wanted to know if you have any suggestions for frugal beauty supplies. I use the foam makeup triangles to apply foundation and concealer and have been wondering if you had any other suggestions. I usually end up using those sponges way too long, and I am sure there must [...]
photo by era phernalia vintage Old dressers have many uses. Use one in the garage as a potting bench or to hold miscellaneous tools. Add one to a mudroom to hold winter gear. Or use an old dresser to hold games, craft supplies or books. Have you recycled an old dresser? Tell me about your [...]
photo by reconstructionist Frugal living can be a lot of fun. It’s empowering and can bring happiness to your life. It often becomes a game you can play as you challenge yourself to waste less and save more money. Fellow frugalista, Sue H. in Michigan, shares: “I love to sit in the backyard with my [...]
photo by vieux bandit Plan ahead for the upcoming holidays. If you’re organized, you’ll avoid overspending. Don’t wait until the last minute. There are plenty of ways you can prepare so you’re not completely stressed out later. Previously, I mentioned putting together a frugal notebook (www.frugalvillage.com/2009/05/22/create-a-frugal-notebook). One section to include in your binder is a [...]
photo by southernpixel Apple season will peak soon. With a couple thousand varieties, it can be tough to sort out which apples are best for baking, snacking or freezing. Here’s a handy chart to help: www.usapple.org/consumers/appleguide/variety.cfm. Apple desserts are often requested, so I’m sharing three that you’re going to love baking this autumn. Enjoy! Apple [...]
photo by scholastica_ees DEAR SARA: I bought two large containers of Folgers a while back when the product was on sale. I recently opened one and found it is a very mild flavor. Can I get a stronger coffee and mix with the mild? Will it improve the flavor, or would I be wasting my [...]
The first tip offers a creative twist on homemade Popsicles. I’m sure it would work with Crystal Light or fruit juice, too. If you’re not a Popsicle fan, try homemade pudding pops by combining a 3.4-ounce box of chocolate pudding, 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup whipped topping. Spoon into Dixie cups (3/4 full), and insert a Popsicle stick. Freeze until frozen through. Peel off cup before eating. Enjoy!
photos by Le Petit Poulailler It’s never too early to get organized for the holidays. Don’t be a last-minute shopper. Get a jump-start on your gift list now. What homemade gifts have you made? Here are a few low-cost ideas for kids that can be standalone or add-on gifts. BOOKMARKS: Buy various bolts of thin- [...]
photo by Danielle Scott Back-to-school clothing and supplies don’t have to break the bank. It costs more when you don’t plan ahead. The following tips can help you as you prepare for the new school year. INVENTORY: Find out what you already have. If items are still in good condition, your child doesn’t need new [...]
Packing school lunches can be hard work. It’s too easy to rely on pre-packaged snacks. Take a break from chips and preservative-laden store-bought cookies. Make these kid-friendly oatmeal treats. They’re great as after-school snacks, too. Remember advice from Cookie Monster: These are a sometimes food. Banana Oat Muffins 1-1/2 cups flour 1 cup rolled oats [...]
photo by g~ DEAR SARA: Help! What can I do with a lot of apricots? I was expecting a bumper crop of apricots from my tree. We picked them, and we have about 25 pounds in varying degrees of ripeness. Except for jam, what else can I make with them? By the way, I don’t [...]
photo by barkdog You can dry your washed baggies on a jar or glass filled with chopsticks. Or simply fold back the zip tops so the bag is strong enough to dry upside down on your counter. You can make your own drying rack with a block of wood and dowels, too. The first reader [...]
photo by Strata Chalup Our yard gets a lot of mosquitoes. The city sprays to control them, but it’s a losing battle when we get heavy rain. I burn citronella candles to combat them so family and friends can enjoy our backyard without being attacked by bugs. I’m going to give the first tip a [...]
You’d rather have too many hamburger buns than not enough. But when there are some leftover buns, you’re faced with a keep-or-toss decision. Don’t let them sit on the counter until they mold or hide them in the back of the freezer until ice crystals form. Don’t throw them away, either. They can be used [...]
The top tip I get is for cutting dryer sheets in half. Using them twice ranks second. Many people don’t use dryer sheets. They prefer liquid fabric softener; vinegar; a combination of vinegar, baking soda and water; cheap hair conditioner; Charlie’s Soap; or none at all. If you do use dryer sheets, you can reserve [...]
DEAR SARA: Please help me! I need a way to keep my spices and salt from turning into one big hard ball when it gets humid out. I have tried putting grains of rice in the salt and other spices because I heard that would take the moisture out of them but have yet to [...]
photo by nicubuno The first tip is a good reminder of how easy it is to do some things yourself. The same concept of adding your own mix-ins holds true for foods such as flavored yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, salad dressings, soups, snacks, etc. You know what you’re adding to your food, so you [...]
