Pet stores stock a huge variety of cat toys. Some are pretty cheap, but others are so shamefully overpriced you just know someone somewhere is laughing his or her way to the bank. If you get shiny-object syndrome, it’s easy to get sucked into buying several toys. Before overspending, consider homemade toys your cat can [...]
D EAR SARA: What can I add to boxed cake to make it taste better? It’s not bad, but I’d like it to taste more homemade and not be so dry. — Penny, e-mail DEAR PENNY: You can add coffee in place of the water for chocolate cakes. Try carbonated soda pop, orange or pineapple [...]
Peanut butter balls can be time consuming to make. You have to roll the peanut butter and dip it into the melted chocolate. Your hands can cramp before you’re done. Luckily, you can get the same delicious flavor by making peanut butter bars instead. PEANUT BUTTER BARS: We make peanut butter bars instead of peanut [...]
Colanders last a long time. But through heavy use, they get chipped, dented, partially rusted or melted. Eventually, you’ll need to replace your old colander with a new one. Don’t throw the old one away. There are multiple creative ways to use it even if it’s not in perfect condition. If your colander is still [...]
D EAR SARA: I have a lampshade that needs a facelift. I don’t want to buy another shade. Any ideas?–Debbie, e-mail DEAR DEBBIE: You can paint it (use stencils) or cover it with fabric, applique (use spray adhesive), wallpaper (use scrapbooking paste), use Mod Podge and decoupage, or add beads or ribbon. If you’re using [...]
For many families, plastic Easter eggs are a part of Easter traditions. You might use them for an egg hunt or simply fill them with treats and place them in a basket. Once Easter is over, it seems wasteful to throw them away. One option is to save them for next year. But you can [...]
Placemats are expensive to buy new. They’re cheaper to buy secondhand or in the clearance aisle at discount department stores. Maybe you’ve come across an odd number of cloth or polypropylene placemats while shopping. Or you might have older placemats that you haven’t used in a long time. They can still be used in ways [...]
photo by ClevelandSGS Frugality often seems like a lot of effort for a few cents. But it’s about making better choices that save larger amounts, too. Maybe you have a goal to pay down debt, such as your mortgage. One extra payment per year can shave a few years off your loan. But it’s tough [...]
photo by marlana Frugal people know how to make things. It’s not just a way of combating costs. For many, these are basic life skills and a way of life. A little self-reliance goes a long way. It’s easier to start out small and build your way up. This sets you up for success instead [...]
photo by zorilla Frugality and decluttering can sometimes conflict. You don’t want to save everything, but you don’t want to toss a useful item that can be reused or be left without anything when something breaks. You might want a spare item for work, the car, when you travel or if something is lost, too. [...]
photo by rkimpeljr DEAR SARA: In your opinion, what are some of the least useful baby items you received? — Jilly, New Jersey DEAR JILLY: Parents are different in what they think are practical. I didn’t have much use for a changing table, Diaper Genie, newborn shoes, stuffed animals and toys, baby lotion and powder, [...]
Keep your recipe cards upright while cooking by using a clothespin, wine cork with a slit cut into it, business-card holder, a binder clip or two, or a clear, stand-up acrylic picture frame. The first tip shares another easy way to keep them off the counter and easy to view. DISPLAYING RECIPE CARDS: I have [...]
