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 [...]
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. [...]
Mismatched socks can pile up quickly. You hang onto them hoping to find their mates. Sometimes you do, so you might create a home for them made out of a basket, bag or a spare drawer. If you get new socks, you tend to toss out the old pairs, too. Clean but lone or used, [...]
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: [...]
The Christmas decorations are packed away. You miss the festive flair for a while afterward. You want your home to have that same cozy feeling throughout the year. Maybe your budget hasn’t recovered from holiday splurging. Warming up your home decor is as simple as adding personal touches that appeal to the senses. Often, you [...]
Moving is stressful. There are many hidden costs that you might not consider before the big day. Be prepared to shell out for more than a moving van. The added expenses can be so high that you might be better off staying put. What unexpected costs have you experienced during a move? Here are a [...]
It’s sad to throw away Christmas cards. There’s a bit of guilt when you don’t keep some of them. Hoarding them in a box for years seems as wasteful as tossing them out. You can save some as keepsakes or reuse a few. How have you reused cards? Here are a few ideas. GIFT TAGS: [...]
The best bargains can often be found after Christmas. If you didn’t get what you wanted from your holiday wish list, it’s likely that you’ll find it for less during year-end and clearance sales. Also, many couples have started a tradition to wait until after the holidays to exchange gifts because it’s more affordable. There [...]
Clothespins have multiple uses. They’re long-lasting and cheap to buy. Most people use them to hang their laundry to dry or as a chip clip. Do you have a creative way to use them? If you have a few stashed away, bring them out and put them to good use. Here are a few ideas. [...]
It’s hard to part with baby clothes. The little onesies, socks, newborn caps, pajamas and outfits hold heartfelt memories. So you keep them. Sure, some get donated or given to friends or family, but rather than keep the rest hidden away in a box, do something creative with them. Here are a few ideas. SOFTIES: [...]
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 [...]
Halloween can leave you with an abundance of candy. You probably bought the types you like, but even if you like the candy you bought, how much did you eat before Halloween? What about all the treats the kids bring home? And how many days are there before you’re surrounded by irresistible Christmas foods? Get [...]
photo by roytsaplinjr DEAR SARA: We eat a lot of chicken, but sometimes it can be expensive. I usually buy the boneless, skinless breasts when they’re on sale. I came across a sale on chicken with skin and bone in on for only 99 cents a pound. I always figured that wasn’t a great deal, [...]
It’s pumpkin season, and many people have the tradition of visiting the pumpkin patch. Whether selecting the perfect pumpkin for carving jack-o’-lanterns or decorating them uncarved, selecting one is simple. Look for a pumpkin that has good weight, a stem that isn’t cut too short to ensure that it’s not decaying, stands well for display, [...]
photo by sallypics Carpeting is cozy, inviting and adds value to your home, but it’s expensive. Whether you’re making do with older carpeting or have new carpeting installed, you’ll want to preserve, protect and extend the life of this home investment. Carpet that is well cared for should have a lifespan of about 10 years. [...]
DEAR SARA: I’m thinking about buying new floor mats for my car, but I do not want to throw out the old ones. Do you have any ideas? — Melissa, e-mail DEAR MELISSA: I’d use them in the garage, either for under your car to catch any leaking fluids or as door mats to store [...]
Don’t buy new if you have something that works just as well. Often, you can repurpose an item and produce a unique and stylish piece to add to your wardrobe or decor. What have you turned from trash to treasure in your home? What do you have that you’re using differently than was originally intended? [...]
