Do you have missing socks? Some people are organized and wash socks in a mesh bag or clip them together. But if you have lone socks, you can pin odd socks to a corkboard or use a magnetic clip and hang them on the washer so they’re easily accessible to match. Or use a pillowcase, [...]
Household items often have multiple uses. Clamp hangers are useful for more than simply hanging pants and skirts. You can use them to organize and hang your saved gift bags from holidays or use them as frames for artwork. The first reader tip shares additional ways to use them. SECOND USE FOR CLAMP HANGERS: I [...]
Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and ventilated area away from light. Don’t refrigerate them because the starch turns to sugar. Don’t wash them before storing because the dampness promotes decay. The first reader tip shares a way to keep potatoes from the light. POTATO TIP: I work at a farm stand. At [...]
Freezer organization can be a challenge. It can be more difficult with a chest freezer. Ideally, you want the older food toward the top so it gets used sooner. You can remove food from bulky packaging and repackage into labeled freezer storage bags to save space or organize into plastic bins. The first reader offers [...]
Flavored coffee can be expensive. You can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. The first reader tip shares a flavored creamer recipe. You can add flavor to your coffee grounds prior to brewing, too. Simply add 1 teaspoon cocoa and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to your coffee grounds. When it’s [...]
Look into repairing before replacing. Some repair jobs you can do yourself. A basic repair book, manual, expert advice or a search online can be all that you need to save an item from being discarded or replaced. You can take a small appliance to a service center/appliance repair shop for an estimate to see [...]
When prepping fruits and vegetables, do you throw a lot away? Often, we toss out potato, apple and orange peels. Or maybe you don’t use the entire broccoli and only eat the florets. These can be eaten. Think: Potato skins, applesauce and candied orange peels. And broccoli stalks? You can peel the woody stem with [...]
Hanging laundry to dry requires hauling clothespins. You can carry them in various containers such as a plastic ice cream pail, plastic milk jug, a pillowcase, a toddler dress or shirt (sewn on the bottom) or jean shorts, or you can wear an apron with pockets. The first reader tip shares another creative way to [...]
photo by n1nj4 If you have a cat or dog, you’ve probably encountered water spills whenever it drinks from its bowl. Or maybe your pet tips the entire bowl over. Small spills are easy to wipe up with a towel. But maybe you want to keep the floor dry. You can place the bowl on [...]
photo by mokeneco Do you throw away your orange peels? They can be used in a simmering potpourri, as zest in cooking, rubbed onto your skin as an insect repellent and used in compost. The first three reader tips share additional ways to use them. ORANGE PEEL BATH: Create a wonderfully thrifty, immune-boosting bath. Vitamin [...]
photo by etsy ketsy Have you ever needed a pen and not been able to find one quickly? Or how about when it’s time to bake and your supplies are stored throughout the kitchen? It’s frustrating to search for common household items. The first tip reminds you to save a few steps by putting the [...]
photo by tuchodi Coffee filters can be used for more than simply brewing coffee. If you’ve recently switched to a reusable filter or are low on paper towels, paper filters can be used for many of the same purposes as paper towels. The first tip shares one alternative use. REUSE COFFEE FILTERS: I use them [...]
photo by beggs DEAR SARA: My family and I are supposed to go to Florida for Christmas. We have a friend who is getting married close to the holiday, and the remaining time would be spent with family. My problem is that the airfare will cost almost $1,600! I know we could have gotten it [...]
photo by biskuit Every cook needs a few budget recipes she feels comfortable serving to guests. These south-of-the-border-inspired recipes will satisfy your spicy-food cravings. They are based on familiar recipes and will be well received. Enjoy! Taco Cups 2 medium bell peppers 1/2 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 (16-ounce) can kidney or [...]
photo by donut The mismatch amount of hot dogs to a package of buns often leaves you with leftovers. If you overplan a party, you’ll have extra, too. Don’t waste them. I like to call the following “reucipes” (ri-yoos-uh-pees), which are tips for reusing food and common household items. My readers share their tasty ways [...]
photo by wheany DEAR SARA: I am about to give up the paper route I have (will probably regret it later, but the 3 a.m. wake up is killing me). And I have a box full of the plastic bags the papers go in. Not the smaller, skinnier daily bags, but the 9-inch-wide Sunday bags, [...]
DEAR SARA: I read an article, and it discussed “shampoo bars.” What is this? — Christine B., e-mail DEAR CHRISTINE: It’s shampoo in bar form instead of liquid. Many people who make soaps make shampoo bars, too. They consist of natural ingredients — typically, glycerin, essential oils, fruit extracts and a vegetable protein. I recommend [...]
