December 12, 2004

Keeping Hands from Sticking to Rice Krispie TreatsWhen making Rice Krispie treats, make sure and rub your hands with a little butter or margarine to make them lay flat in the pan and not stick to your skin.

 

Keep Potatoes from BuddingTo keep your potatoes from budding, just put an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

 

Remembering BirthdaysWhen the new year gets here, take a few minutes and go through your whole calendar writing in the Birthdays of people you will send cards or presents to. You can keep rolling this forward by using last years calendar to remember.

 

Old Underwear For TravelingWhen you have old underwear or bras don't toss them out. Wash them and put them in your suitcase, they will be there when you pack. When traveling, wear them and throw them away. That way you got one more wear out of them and won't be packing dirty clothes home.

 

Candy Cane Shakes and Christmas LightsWhen our family goes sight seeing to see Christmas lights we always go to McHughs first and get candy cane shakes to drink as we drive around.

 

You Now Can Post Images on ThriftyFunWe now have a way to post images on ThriftyFun in the feedback. Notice in the feedback of this article, I've posted a picture of Maggie, my dog. When you click the "browse . . " under your feedback, it allows you to find the image on your computer. Choose that image and it will be uploaded to our server.

 

Make Washcloths Out of Old TowelsInstead of tossing the occasional ripped towel, we make them into washcloths. This can be done very easily by sewing a zig zag stitch around the edge.

 

Buy Baking Supplies After the HolidaysJust after Christmas I stock up on baking supplies especially things that are costly like real vanilla - the super stores always deeply discount these items and I load up!

 

Surviving Winter BreakWinter break is much shorter than the summer break, but for many parents it feels like the longer of the two breaks. Here are ten ideas for you and your children to help you survive the long winter days without blowing your budget or losing your sanity.

 

Tip for Water Based MarkersGive a little extra life to children's water based markers that seem to be used up by dipping the tip in a drop of water. By June S.

 

Homemade Security Wrist GuardsUse the ribbed ankle part of a cotton sock for "security wrist guards".

 

Pretzels for AppetizersSmall pretzel sticks make great skewers for bite-sized appetizers - nothing to throw away.

 

Glitter Paint on BalloonsFor a party take blown up balloons and using a sponge or foam stamp (circles, triangles, spirals, hearts) dipped in glitter paint, dot the outside of the balloon to give it a more detailed look.

 

Homemade Shopping BagsThe dollar stores carry oversized large "rip proof woven polypropylene" bags with handles. I just saw in a novelty magazine where they had one with a zipper that they were selling for $12.99 plus shipping, and called it a wreath storage bag.

 

A Bowl of Fruit for Healthy SnacksKeep a bowl of fruit on your table within easy reach for the children. Fruit is so much better for them to snack on that sugary candies, cakes, and cookies.

 

Cheap Christmas Present for Small ChildrenToday I was sitting with my 2 year old in front of his easil. One side has a chalk board and the other is white metal - for dry erase markers. My son came up and placed a magnetic on it. Light bulb goes on - why not make my own things out of the magnetic sheets you can buy at office supply stores?

 

Reduce Waste This ChristmasChristmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other holiday. North American's trash increases by 25% over Christmas - which equates to 25 million extra tons of garbage going to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible waste that is generated the urgency to do something becomes apparent. A truly useful or environment friendly gift is a better ecological choice. Here is a brief list of ideas to inspire you.

 

Repairing Small Holes in Window ScreenRepair a small hole in a window screen with a dab of clear nail polish. By June S.

 

Did Your Dish Come Out Too Spicy?Tone it down by adding 1 tbsp of peanut butter. If you can't eat peanut butter, use sugar instead. Works every time and it tastes great! By Lucy Arredondo

 

A Good Person in Need Looking for a Hand up, not a hand-out?I have been a heroin addict on and off since I was a teenager. I am currently 55, a divorcé of 9 years and have two grown boys. I'm looking for a program or pharmacy that can help me pay for my Suboxone® medication which keeps me leading a productive life.

 

Mildew on Christmas Decorations Stored in Bomb Shelter?We have a bomb shelter under our house in California. Really unusual I know. Any way, last year my husband wanted to clean out the garage, so we packed up all holiday stuff in tubs (not air proof.) And put them in shelter. We just got Christmas stuff out and to my disapointment, As I told my husband everything smells like mildew really bad. The items do not actually have mold on them they just smell really bad. I have done many searches on how to get mildew smells out of non washable items. I am so sad I do not want to have to throw away all my accumulated stuff, memories, kids crafts, wrapping paper, cards, stockings etc. I also have a 23 month little boy that has asthma and I dont want to risk his health. If I must throw all of it away I will but I dont want to. Any advice or ideas would be appreciated. And as it figures I bought a ton of stuff last year. Kitten from Cali

 

Recipe Ideas for French Toast Sticks?I discovered a rather large box of opened French Toast Sticks in my freezer.. Now that they are past their prime, I figure my kids will snub them. Anyone have any ideas for using these in recipes to make them a little more palatable? Thanks! Cindy Bailey in Greene County PA

 

Saving Money on Bubble Bath?Tips for saving money on bubble bath. Post your ideas!

 

Pancake Tips?Tips for making great pancakes. Post your ideas.