D ear Sara: How do you organize and store your favorite recipes? I was thinking of creating a database on my computer, but I thought I would see if maybe there is a better way. — Kim Z., Florida Dear Kim: I’ve used a few different methods to organize recipes. I used to clip and [...]
Packing a lunch can help you save money at work. Keep foods at your desk or in an emergency snack box in your car with items such as granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, microwave popcorn, applesauce or fruit cups, soup, oatmeal, nuts, sunflower seeds, dry cereal or dried fruit. This helps in case you are [...]
D ear Sara: I have a bag of sweetened coconut to use up. Do you have any suggestions that 1) are NOT a dessert (my husband is diabetic) and 2) do not involve shrimp (my husband is allergic). I’d like to use up the bag, and I’m searching for vegetable or meat dishes where a [...]
There always seem to be a few unpopped kernels when you make popcorn. You can save the kernels and make your own homemade microwave popcorn. Place 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper bag. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of oil or omit it altogether. If you add oil, shake the bag to combine [...]
Plastic ice cream containers seem too good to throw away. They’re bulky, so you don’t want to save them without having a purpose for them. Some are now available as a square container. This makes them great space-saving storage or gift containers. Here are a few ways to use them. KITCHEN COMPOST: Keep them on [...]
D ear Sara: I have a small vase that has become cloudy after having water in it. Do you have a remedy for this? I know that you can purchase CLR, but I do not need that much. Thank you. — Carol, Florida Dear Carol: You can add dry rice and vinegar and water or [...]
It’s time to think about winter-proofing your home. Many supplies are cheaper in the off months. You’ll save more money if you implement changes before the cold strikes because many changes work well to keep homes cool in warmer months, too. A few examples include blocking drafts, adding insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, servicing your [...]
Plan ahead for the upcoming holidays. If buying gifts or supplies far in advance isn’t your thing, you can still think about ideas for free and low-cost ways to enjoy the season. What frugal activities or traditions have you done during the holiday season? Here are a few ideas. PUZZLES: Pick up a jigsaw puzzle [...]
D ear Sara: I spilled some acrylic paint on my carpet while doing a craft. (I had put newspaper down, but I dropped the bottle when I went to put the cap on.) How do I get it off? The carpet is less than a year old! — Dianne, Florida Dear Dianne: First, try a [...]
Shampoo can be used in a variety of ways in your household. This is helpful when you have an accumulation of free samples, or when you clean out your closet and find older, partially used bottles. Samples are wonderful to use when traveling, to tuck into gift baskets, or to use as stocking stuffers. You [...]
Add peanut butter to your list of things to make yourself. It’s natural, quick and easy. If you make your own fruit preserves and bread, the homemade peanut butter will complete a sandwich taste sensation. You can also bundle the trio to give as a homemade gift during the holiday season. Don’t make jam or [...]
photo by bcmom I’ll admit, I haven’t tried reusing dryer lint, so the first tip is on my must-try list. I hope there’s a new frugal tip for you, too. DRYER-LINT FIRE STARTER: I stuff my dryer lint into an empty toilet-paper cardboard tube. I melt my leftover candle wax and pour it into both [...]
photo by bonvoyagetohappy When my favorite frozen potpies were recalled, I decided it was time to let go of this guilty pleasure. Granted, they are inexpensive, but they’re not the healthiest choice or very hearty. It was one of the few foods that I hadn’t converted from convenience to homemade. I considered that a frozen [...]
Witch hazel is a cheap product that has multiple uses. Maybe you have a bottle of it in your cabinet collecting dust. Many people use it as an astringent/facial toner a couple of times and then put it away and forget about it. How have you used it? Here are a few suggestions. EYE PUFFINESS: [...]
DEAR SARA: What do I do with the juice left in the maraschino cherry jars? I have 2-1/2 jars full of the stuff! And a bacon grease/brown sugar mixture left from a batch of cocktail weenies. I kind of hate to throw the stuff out, although I wouldn’t have hesitated in the past. What would [...]
photo by manel In a previous column, I mentioned using up an abundance of oranges. The tips started pouring in for ways to use orange peels. The first tip is a natural way to keep mischievous felines away. It can work outdoors in the garden, too. DETER CATS: Cats hate the smell of citrus. I’ve [...]
