September 15, 2004

Window Shade for ColoringWhen I have to replace a window shade I save the old one for my grandkids visits. Offer them crayons, colored pencils, paints, and let them "go to town" with an artist flair. Happy Picasso. By joesgirl

 

Best Tips for Enjoying the BackCountry in the RainIf you spend any amount of time in the backcountry at all, it will rain on you.  Remember this - rain is a good thing; without it there wouldn't be much backcountry to enjoy.

 

Whistling for the KidsI taught my children to come when called...er...whistled for. I have a different tune that I whistle loudly for each child and they come running as soon as I whistle for them.

 

Cutting Back on Caffeine With Half and Half CoffeeI have been trying to cut back on my caffeine intake. Instead of buying a blend of coffee that is 1/2 decaf and 1/2 regular coffee, I buy a can of each kind and blend my own as I make it. That way I can control how much regular coffee I put in.

 

Saving Broth for Dog FoodI have 2 nice, healthy, middle-aged best friends who usually are fed dry dog food, with a little something extra. Whenever I cook, I save bones from meat, extra broth, etc. and simmer it on the stove for a nice flavorful broth to pour over the dogs' dry dog food.

 

Freeze Chicken Leftovers in BrothWhen you cook a chicken and have leftovers to put in the freezer, store the chunks of chicken in broth to keep it from drying out. Your chicken will be nice and moist when you need it for casseroles, etc. By Katz

 

Energy Conservation in the HomeThe average house uses 38 percent of its total annual energy use on heating. When a house is occupied, the thermostat should be set at 65 to 68 degrees F for maximum energy efficiency.

 

Pumpkin Chip CakeCan be served glazed or plain. If you like pumpkin, this is great and no one knows or can tell there's bran in it. Great for those wanting to "sneak in" some fiber.

 

Save Money on Hair Conditioner?Tips for saving money on hair conditioner. What are your ideas?

 

Making Bra Straps Shorter?I want to shorten the bra straps as I cannot shorten them enough by adjusting them normally they are of the thin type and elastic but not elastic enough. If anyone knows a good method for doing this I would appreciate it thanks.

 

Candle Wax on Dog?I just spilt wax on my dog! Any tips other than the iron or spirits? Poor thing Dan

 

How do I soften hard bagels?Every once in a while, I forget about the last bagel in the bag and it ends up as hard as a rock. I am tired of dipping them in soup; does anyone have an idea to make them soft? Thank you! Linda

 

Frugal Solution Needed For Extremely Dry Feet and Callous Removal?I would like to know if there is an alternative to expensive pedicures (even at the beauty school here they are $20, the salon/esthetician is $30-$60). My feet are very dry and calloused, moisturizing, even using petroleum jelly at night with cotton socks isn't enough.