D EAR SARA: Maybe you can help! I am on a search for sensible bath towels. I’m speaking of a towel for after shower, not a blanket. These incredibly large heavyweight towels are energy-consumers to the greatest degree, taking extended drying time. Your help is appreciated. — Martha L., e-mail DEAR MARTHA: I own quite [...]
Rubber bands can be a messy nuisance if simply tossed in a drawer. They’re easy to organize in a plastic storage bag, jar or other small container. You can make a rubber band ball or hang them on a spare shower curtain ring. If you use office supplies often, try a muffin tin to hold [...]
Vodka is versatile. It’s one of the most popular liquors. But occasionally, you might have some leftover low-quality vodka from a party, or maybe you received a bottle as gift for the holidays. Rather than suffer through vodka that you dislike or pour it down the drain, put it to good use around your house. [...]
DEAR SARA: Are there safe homemade cleaners for granite countertops? Two years ago, my mom and sister bought me a bathroom vanity for my 20th wedding anniversary. It has a granite countertop. Are there any homemade cleaners that will not pit the granite? What works best for you? — Carrie, Maryland DEAR CARRIE: Use a [...]
Microwaves get dirty and smelly. It can be a pain to keep clean if you don’t clean it immediately after splatters or spills. To clean your microwave with ease, simply add a microwave-safe bowl, a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 cup water (or 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water). [...]
Baby oil is cheap and has a light and pleasant scent. Its gentleness makes it a wonderful product to use in the bath or shower as a skin moisturizer, cuticle softener or an alternative to shaving cream or gel. Many people use it on a baby’s skin or for cradle’s cap, but it has a [...]
Dry skin is common during winter. Not only is it unsightly, but it can be itchy and painful, too. There are plenty of expensive products available, but you can manage your dry skin on a frugal budget. Start with eating well, getting plenty of rest and de-stressing. I recommend you see a doctor if your [...]
D EAR SARA: I once saw a “recipe” for sidewalk chalk, but cannot seem to find it on your site. Can you help me? (Also, please share any other useful kids recipes.) — Dianne, e-mail DEAR DIANNE: I have tons of recipes for kids such as flubber, play dough, dryer lint clay, bathtub paints, bubbles, [...]
A few weeks ago, I mentioned Borax. Tons of tips came pouring in with even more uses for the miracle mineral. Some uses I had forgotten about such as it can be used to dry fresh flowers. Put equal parts of Borax and sand (and a tablespoon of salt) into a container such as a [...]
DEAR SARA: Can you clean bamboo flooring with vinegar? I’m sick of using two different things to clean my floors. I use vinegar on the bathrooms and kitchen, which is linoleum and ceramic tile, but Murphy’s Oil Soap on my living room and hallway, which is bamboo. Can you use the vinegar on the bamboo [...]
You can look fashionable on a budget. Buy solid-colored and classic clothing with clean lines, such as crews, turtlenecks, V-necks, tailored jackets and cardigans, pencil skirts, pants and jeans. You can pare down to 10 to 20 articles of clothing that are easy to layer, mix and match, and add accessories. When your wardrobe is [...]
DEAR SARA: Thank you for your column, what great info. Problem: I forgot a pan on the stove and burned the pan black on the inside. How can I remove this black? Thanks for your help. — Elaine S., e-mail DEAR ELAINE: Add a couple of squirts of dish liquid and water to the pan [...]
photo by Shyald What is frugality? According to dictionary.com, it’s being economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful. But it means something different to each person. For years, it has been synonymous with being a cheapskate or miserly or a temporary wagon to jump onto because of a setback or the [...]
photo by Darlene B. We’ve grown to rely on some prepackaged foods. It’s become a force of habit to toss them into the shopping cart. But weekends are the perfect time to add a little down-home cooking flair to your standard meals. Making homemade bread, muffins or biscuits accomplishes that. Store-bought baked goods will never [...]
photo by Shane Pope Eating out can be a large expense. While it’s easy to rely on it as a quick solution, it’s often not the best choice. It’s easier said than done to have meals prepared in the freezer for emergencies. Slow cookers work well if you know ahead of time that your schedule [...]
D EAR SARA: In a recent newspaper article, a lady inquired about dry-pack canning. How long will flour keep using this method? Also, will this method prevent weevils from hatching out in flour, as they sometimes do? Does it matter if it is bleached or unbleached flour? Thank you. — Jim Smith, email DEAR JIM: [...]
If you have a spaghetti-sauce stain in your plastic bowl, try a vinegar-and-baking-soda paste or salt and lemon juice, and then set the bowl outside in the sun. Avoid stains by applying oil to the bowl prior to pouring in tomato-based soups or sauces. Or simply dedicate the stained bowl to holding sauce. I’m hesitant [...]
