Cones are a practical, edible and portable container to hold snacks for kids. You can pour snacks such as trail mix, goldfish or animal crackers, fresh or dried fruit, mini marshmallows, popcorn or pretzels into a waffle or sugar cone. Or, when you make Rice Krispies treats, mold individual portions into cones to prevent sticky [...]
D ear Sara: I’m looking for a French toast casserole recipe. Do you know of one you prepare the night before and bake in the morning? — S.B., Idaho S.B.: Paula Deen has an excellent French toast casserole recipe. Visit www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup-recipe2/index.html. Or how about French toast made in a muffin tin? Visit www.bakedperfection.com/2010/10/french-toast-muffins.html. I have [...]
Autumn brings thoughts of rising utility bills. For some, heating costs aren’t merely an annoyance, but have become a bill that needs to be well planned for. Now is a good time to prepare for the upcoming colder temperatures. The following are some strategies to prepare for cold weather: Bulking up: Pull out the flannel [...]
D ear Sara: I have some custom sheer drapery that came with the house. I can take it down, but dry cleaning is recommended. I would rather use the money for another project. Can you suggest a way to clean the sheers that does NOT require professional dry cleaning? — mfedor, forums Dear mfedor: There [...]
Don’t toss out leftover mashed potatoes. Add them to soups, stews, pancakes, bread, biscuits, meatloaf, meatballs, or make gnocchi. You can make potato patties from leftover mashed potatoes, too. Simply add an egg to 2 cups mashed potatoes, form into patties and fry in a pan with a little oil. You can add meat, seasoned [...]
Winter gear can take up a lot of space. Your entryway and closet are often the first areas you, your family and guests see, so you want them to be tidy. Rather than frantically looking for a lost mitten, piling up boots, or cramming and shoving everything into your closet until the door no longer [...]
D ear Sara: I’m searching for a “press” in which to combine all those little bath soap pieces that accumulate in the shower soap dish over time. They are too small to use individually, but combined would work quite well. — P. Ritter, email Dear P. Ritter: I’ve seen all types of soap sliver savers. [...]
While convenience products provide tasty shortcuts, it’s good to know how to make things yourself. This time of year, families tend to buy more boxed, flavored instant oatmeal and canned cream soups. I’m sharing two recipes you can make at home. Instant Oatmeal 3 cups quick-cooking oats salt 8 small zip baggies In a blender, [...]
Save time and effort by keeping things close at hand. For example, rather than storing your cleaning products all lined up on a shelf, you can create a cleaning-kit caddy or two. This makes it easy to carry supplies room to room or store the caddy in the room in which you use it. Gathering [...]
D ear Sara: I got an old rhinestone necklace at the thrift store yesterday. It’s looking a little dull, and I was wondering how I can clean it. The lady said not to use toothpaste, as it is gritty. That would have been my first choice. If not that, then what can I use? — [...]
Frugal families often buy items that can multi-task. For example, you can use a blender to make butter, mayonnaise, frosting, peanut butter or barbecue sauce (for recipes visit www.frugalvillage.com/2008/05/29/blend-with-the-times) or use your waffle iron to make brownies or cornbread. The first two reader tips share more ways to use your George Foreman grill: USES FOR [...]
Fall decorating is a luxury not everyone can afford. Fortunately, you can still add a bit of fall fair without busting your budget. Sure, you can bring the outdoors in and decorate using pine cones, acorns, gourds, branches, dried pods or flowers, Indian corn, etc. You can make simple color changes with throw blankets, place [...]
Winter is upon us. The kids get cabin fever quickly when their outside free time is limited. You’re looking for some fun things to do before you all start climbing the walls. You don’t need a wallet full of cash to enjoy the cold, snowy days. There are all kinds of frugal ways to enjoy [...]
D ear Sara: I’m looking for a French toast casserole recipe. Do you know of one you prepare the night before and bake in the morning? — S.B., Idaho S.B.: Paula Deen has an excellent French toast casserole recipe. Visit www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup-recipe2/index.html. Or how about French toast made in a muffin tin? Visit www.bakedperfection.com/2010/10/french-toast-muffins.html. I have [...]
Rubbing alcohol is often shoved into the back of the cabinet. It usually gets pulled out as a first-aid item to prevent infection from minor cuts and scrapes. It’s time to move it toward the front of the shelf. It’s considered a frugal household staple because it’s cheap to buy and has multiple uses. How [...]
photo by saebaryo DEAR SARA: I am considering getting a sandbox for the kids to play in. I was wondering if you had one, how you keep the neighborhood cats out. — Rachel, Texas DEAR RACHEL: You can use a tarp, but it will collect rainwater. To combat water collection, you can place a tall [...]
photo by nmack28 Financial worries and fears cause many people stress, and you don’t need to be dirt-poor or drowning in debt to lose sleep worrying about it. Let’s face it: Counting sheep doesn’t work for everyone, so I’m sharing reader tips for those nights when you can’t get to sleep.
