November 4, 2004

Complimentary Gift WrapAlways ask if stores will do a complimentary gift wrap when you buy a gift. Saves time and money!

 

Avoiding the Cool Down CycleThere is a "cool down" period at the end of most dryer cycles. To save energy, do not let your laundry spin through this part of the cycle if you are drying consecutive loads. Your dryer will have to reheat for the next load, wasting energy.

 

Cutting Layers To Make a Four Layer CakeMeasure a well cooled cake layer up the side and mark the half way point with toothpicks, in about four different places. Using the toothpicks as your guide, slice the cake horizontally, with a serrated knife, into half.

 

FoodSaver Tip: Freeze Individual ServingsI freeze a lot of leftovers in individual servings in food saver bags. If it is liquidy, I freeze it in the bag before I seal it. This way if I don't want to cook, everybody picks what they want. Also good for taking to work. By Vickie

 

New Arrivals Thrift StoreIf you frequent thrift stores, ask when new shipments generally arrive and find out how long it typically takes for the store staff to get the merchandise out on the floor for sale. This info will allow you to avoid searching through the same items over again without waiting so long that the "good stuff" is picked over. By Leann D

 

Pillowcase: A Very Easy to Sew Gift IdeaHere's a good gift idea for almost anyone on your Christmas list: a pillowcase. For one standard size pillow case, purchase one yard of cotton fabric. I buy remnants usually for just a dollar or two a yard.

 

Quick and Easy Snack BarsKids love them - so do I!

 

Keeping Green Onions (Scallions) FreshI cut the whole bunch of green onions (scallions) when I bring them home from the store. In a plastic bag or plastic container with a paper towel, they last so much longer than uncut in the crisper-where they always get slimy too quickly. Then they are ready to use when I need them. By Linda

 

Bathwater Temperature for BabiesThere is no need to purchase a special "bathwater thermometer" for your baby's bath if you already own a fever thermometer. In reality, you will be able to tell if the water is too hot, or the temperature your baby prefers, by sticking your own wrist in the bathwater. But once you have determined what that "perfect" temperature is with a fever thermometer, you can pass this info on to babysitters or grandparents who might be giving the little one a bath. By Leann D

 

Chest and Sinus Herbal ReliefHere's a recipe that may help your household during this cold and flu season.

 

Athlete's Foot Balm RecipeIn a small double boiler, heat the wheat-germ oil with the jojoba oil and the beeswax just until the beeswax melts. The mixture should have a creamy consistency.

 

Homemade Antibacterial WipesCut paper towels in half with serrated or electric knife. Place cut side down in airtight container. Boil water, add cleaner, pour over paper towels. Remove wet cardboard tube. To use, pull out wipes from center.

 

Too Much Liquid in Stew?Sometimes I have added too much liquid to my homemade stew. If I don't have time to simmer the stew, to reduce the liquid, I add about a quarter cup or so of instant oatmeal.

 

Luck With Finances"Luck comes to all who work at making it happen." I think this is especially true when it comes to finances.

 

Crocheted Barbie ClothesThese are patterns that I have collected and modified to fit Barbie. Lots of different yarns can be used to make these outfits different. These are quick and easy for an intermediate crocheter, but easy enough for a beginner to try also.

 

Spam (the meat kind) in Place of HamI have found that Spam is a great and inexpensive substitute for ham in scalloped potatoes. Just use the same way you would use regular ham.

 

Quick Touch Ups Before Going OutKeep a lint brush by the door for quick touch-ups before going out. Works great on pet hair. To clean quickly, rub the lint brush in the "wrong" direction with a damp washcloth.

 

Homemade "Clorox Clean Ups"Tired of spending money on Clorox wipes? Here's a recipe for something that works as well.

 

Peppermint Cookies With Almond BarkA very easy cookie to make for Christmas that freezes well. Dip Ritz crackers in white almond bark. Take some peppermint candies and run them through a food processor or blender, a finer processor is best for us. Sprinkle peppermints the on top. As much peppermint as you want.

 

Tea Party Ideas for 6 Year Old?I need ideas for a Tea party of a 5 year old turning 6. I came across a post over the weekend that I thought was at this website, where someone posted an idea for a Tea Party. The craft was decorating hats, using peanut butter sandwiches. I can't find the post. Could someone help me find it or share some ideas. -video312

 

Banana Peel For House Plants?After reading about banana peels helping roses, I wonder what effect they would have on houseplants - would they have an adverse reaction to the plant?