November 10, 2004

Keeping Funnels HandyI keep a funnel under the bathroom sink and in the laundry room for filling small bottles from large ones. Funnels can be found for 3 for a $1. Having them handy saves the time of looking for a funnel and then putting it away.

 

Sample Sizes for Stocking StuffersSample sizes and travel sizes of shampoo, lotion and the like are good stocking stuffers for little ones. They love the little sizes! By Linda

 

Christmas Cookie PartyWant to have a large variety of cookies to give away for gifts for Christmas yet only have to make one batch of one kind of cookie?

 

Alternative Uses for Elmer's GlueElmer's Glue is great for removing splinters and blackheads around your nose! Just put the glue on thick without diluting it. When it's dry, just peel it off.

 

Reusing Whole Chicken Deli ContainersI reuse the plastic container that hot whole chickens come in from the deli. I mix up all the ingredients for a big meatloaf, press into the plastic dome, then dump pressed meatloaf mixture onto a broiling pan; to drain grease when cooking.

 

Photo Tree OrnamentThis is a great Christmas present for people that you don't want to spend much money on or just to include with your Christmas cards. Completed, this makes a beautiful unique ornament for your tree.

 

Washing Machine Tip - Add an Extra SpinSet your washing machine for one extra spin when doing heavier articles. It'll save loads of drying time. : )

 

"Catch The Cold" Season - Consume Lots of FluidsNow that we are approaching what I call the Catch The Cold Season, it is important to make sure that you consume lots and lots of fluids for coughs. Water, fruit juices, popsicles and chicken soup may work better for your cough than an expectorant. Expectorants are supposed to increase the watery excretions produced by cells in the upper respiratory tract. Theoretically, those secretions loosen mucous and phlegm, making them easier to cough up and out of the lungs. But expectorants often don't work as advertised. What your system really needs is fluids to moisten the mucous membranes and loosen the mucous. By joesgirl

 

Have a "Paint My Toenails" PartyOn a cold winter weekend pick a day that is good for your girlfriends, your mom, aunties, cousins, daughters, sisters, etc. and invite them to your home for a get together.

 

Baked ApplesThis is great for breakfast or you can make it for dessert and plop a glob of either whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.

 

Cleaner Soap Dish TipIf you are using bar soap in your bathroom and hate the goo that accumulates in the soap dish, put a small sponge under the soap.

 

Fiestas in a BagWhen my avocado tree surprised me with a bumper crop, everyone received custom "fiestas in a bag" gift. In each gift bag I put several avocados, a packet of guacamole seasoning, a large bag of chips and a bottle of margarita mix! You could put in the tequila, too, if appropriate.

 

See's Candy Gift CertificatesSee's candy gift certificates can be bought from some charitable groups, in the stores, or online. These are nice to have on hand and to give as gifts because they don't have any expiration date!

 

Alternative to a Christmas Tree - Decorate House PlantsI'm not going to buy a tree for just myself this year. Instead, I am going to put all my twinkle lights in every houseplant (and that's a lot) I have. I may hang a few favorite ornaments with fishing line here and there or in the ficus.

 

Extra Storage Space for Out of Season ClothingUse one of those storage boxes that can fit under your bed. I store out of season clothing there. Right now summer pajamas, shorts, short sleeve jerseys, bathing suits are stored in it.

 

A Meal As A Christmas GiftI love to cook, so for Christmas I will buy ground beef and potatoes when they are on sale and make up meat loaf ahead and freeze it. Then the day before Christmas I make up my favorite mashed potato recipe and put them in a pyrex casserole dish and present the meat loaf and mashed potatoes as a gift.

 

Purpose of the Flea?What is the purpose of the flea? How does it benefit the environment? Does anyone know? - Suzzette

 

Recipe for Soup Can Nut Breads?I am looking for a recipe for nut breads that cook in a soup can. Thank you. Carol Garvin

 

Getting Rotten Meat Smell out of the Car?My husband accidently forgot chicken breasts in the car after coming back from the grocery store. We realized that when the car started smelling real bad. We used car freshners, and also left the car open a couple of times, but it didn't work. Now every time we sit in the car, it smells horribly bad. Any ideas to get rid of the smell will be appreciated. - Gina

 

Uses for Miscellaneous Fat Quarters (Gift Ideas)?I finally cleaned out my craft closet and found a whole bunch of children/baby print fat quarters (pieces of fabric about 18" x 21"). I don't quilt, so I'm not sure how I got them, but I have a whole stack of them and some have really cute patterns. It seems like I should be able to make something useful out of them to give as gifts this holiday season, but I'm stumped for ideas. Can anyone help? T. D. From Toronto