December 27, 2004

Storing MelonsHoneydew melons are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron. Cantaloupe is rich in Vitamins A and C. Leave cantaloupes at room temperature to soften and make juicier. Store ripe melons in the refrigerator, especially if cut.

 

Use Chalkboard Paint On FurnitureI loved the idea of using chalkboard paint in a child's room, but in our tiny apartment we just didn't have enough wall space. To give my son a place to draw, I decided to paint the front drawers of his dresser and armoire with chalkboard paint.

 

The Dream Linen ClosetRecently my son decided he wanted fresh new white sheets and he did need a new comforter. Our sheets are old or hand-me-downs, so I thought it would be nice to give him some new items.

 

Keep a Timer Handy for the DryerClothes wrinkle quickly when the dryer stops. When you put in a load to be dried, set a timer that you can carry with you to a place where you will be able to hear it.

 

Invest In Oil SprayersInstead of buying cooking spray all the time, invest in a oil-sprayer. It's basically the same thing as the spray cans, except you can refill it with whatever oil you prefer.

 

Make Your Own Party Food TraysSome Dollar Stores carry the round party platters with covers. Check store ads for party platters and make your own with items that are on sale. It may be cheaper that way than buying ready made. By Syd

 

Decorate Wal-Mart LayawaysIf you pick up Walmart layaways and they are wrapped in the brown craft paper just use holiday stencils to decorate. Of course, you'll want to peek to figure out just who's gift it is. By Melanie

 

Wrapping Center Gift IdeaIf you're having a hard time thinking of a shower gift for the bride-to-be, a good present might be a gift wrapping center. Get one of those tall storage containers for the long roll wrap, add some bows, scissors, tape, etc. By June S.

 

Using A Worn George Forman GrillFor those that wrote about the worn Teflon on their GF Grills, when the grill is cold, try pressing aluminum foil sheet on the grill plate(s) then cook as usual on on that. Should make clean up easy. Might be good even if you don't have a problem! By Syd

 

After School Birthday Party Game - Follow Clues for SnacksAt the start of an after school birthday party, I have clues placed around the house or yard having one clue lead to another (about 8 in all) until the last clue led the kids to finding their after school snack. Great fun and with something you would give them anyway! By June S.

 

Pizza Cutter for FudgeA pizza cutter makes quick work of cutting fudge or toffee. If the candy is sticky, spray it with a little cooking spray first.

 

Balloon Baseball GameHere's an easy game for even small kids: You'll need 2 balloons, one round(ish) one and one long one. Use the long one for the bat and the round one for the ball. My 2-year-old loves it, and I can get a bag of balloons for less than $1! By Camilla

 

Tips for Repotting PlantsHere are some tips for repotting plants. When repotting plants, I always hated how the soil fell through the drainage holes.

 

Musical Squares GameIf you want to play "musical chairs" at a kid's birthday party but don't have enough chairs or enough room, use cardboard squares for the children to stand on and play "musical squares."

 

Cheesecake Batter TipAlways try to beat cheesecake batter on low speed. Especially after you start to add the eggs. Try not to whip air into it. You don't want it to rise. Keeping it low on air volume will make it less likely to crack.

 

Marking Dark Objects Or FabricUse a white-out pen to write on dark things that need a name, or number written on them.

 

Need Help with Christmas Presents?Can my children and I get help with Christmas presents this year? Editor's Note: ThriftyFun does not give direct help to those in need. Please do NOT post requests for help. We encourage posts with ideas for those that need help.

 

Black Scuff Marks on Doors and Walls?Some of the doors and walls in my home have black scuff marks on them. I have tried everything I can think of to get it off. Please help. Susan from Arizona

 

Weatherproofing Windows?We just bought a house and the windows are all needing to be replaced. Does anyone know of a way to help save energy on these low grade windows until we can afford to replace them? Thank you. By Christine

 

Thrifty Warm Apple Cider Recipe?I am looking for a thrifty recipe for warm apple cider for a New Year's Eve party.

 

Recipes and Freezing Instructions For Red Onions?I recently received about 10 pounds of red onions and am looking for ways to use them up or save them. My mom said they don't freeze well... anyone have any luck with this? Thanks, Shan

 

Decorating a 14 Year Old Boy's Bedroom?I have a 14 year old boy, I am a single mom. My son's room is in need of some serious help.