For the past 5 years, thanks to BookCrossing.com, I have given away books at Halloween, but I also plan for the kids who aren't thrilled by reading.
When the back-to-school sales arrive each year, boxes of 24-count crayons go on sale for as little as a dime a box. I stock up on those to use as treats at Halloween. I also provide candy.
Upon arrival, I encourage the kids to choose a book and then a treat. School supplies usually go faster than the candy, except with teens. ... View related article.
It works on bug bites and such because it dries them out - same reason it works to dry out other kinds of sores and blisters. I have a friend who swears by it for his cold sores. ... View related article.
Put a few candles and matches in a clean can, no label. Store with the lid on in your vehicle. If you are stranded in snow and need heat, put one candle in the center, light it. Take safety precautions like having one window open slightly for oxygen - make sure you're receiving oxygen through that window and it isn't covered by snow. Having the tin sitting on something burn-proof would be best. Etc. ... View related article.
It's been a while since I've seen one on sale, but they come around again every decade or two.
The miniature sewing machines, travel or kids-sized, that are supposed to hem pants and do other wondrous quickie sewing are WORTHLESS! Because they don't have a bobbin system, the thread is not secured at all and doesn't hold anything together.
I've owned three, over the years, bought from garage sales to try. My first one was 35 years ago and they've never improved the model. ... View related article.
Buy a vanilla bean and a bottle of inexpensive brandy. Cut the bean lengthwise along the middle, then into 1-inch strips and put the whole thing into the bottle of brandy. Try to get all the tiny black seeds into the bottle. Shake, then store. Once in a while, shake it again.
In a month, you'll have mild vanilla flavor - three months for strong. It keeps till the brandy's gone and keeps getting stronger. Use it just like real vanilla extract in your recipes. The alcohol bakes out. ... View related article.
I recently saw a picture of a t-shirt totebag. They widened the opening around the collar, rolled the sleeves up as handles, and strengthened all the seams. Sew across the bottom, more than once, and you have a fairly easy and sturdy totebag. I made one without a pattern, kinda guessing how they did it. Mine isn't as nicely finished, but it works. ... View related article.
http://www.BookCrossing.com It is NOT a book trading site. It's actually intended to be for book tracking, sharing book information, and other things, but many members will share their books for postage, trade, or even sometimes for free. It's a large online community and lots of fun, as well as a source for books and book information.
You can also sometimes hunt the books that were released in your area - kind of like hunting for treasure. This can be a fun activity with kids, but everyone has to realize that sometimes you don't find the treasure. ... View related article.
Green & Gold Salad, inspired by Betty Crocker Cookbook recipe
1 can peas 1 can-full grated cheese 3 T. salad dressing or mayo 1 T. minced onion 1 T. prepared mustard
Mix it all up, serve cold.
While I am not, myself, fond of this salad, my family loves it. The nice thing for me is that it can be made ahead of time and doesn't take oven space. ... View related article.
