Tip Contest Results

Muffin Tins for Serving Condiments

We were at a party the other day and the hostess had put her condiments into muffin tins, with a spoon for serving. It was a great idea. She had sliced onions in one, tomatoes in another, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. It was really easy for serving.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Wearing Cheap Earrings

I used to have to wear only gold or silver earrings. I have some costume earrings that are very pretty. When I try and wear them, my ear lobes end up getting red and sore. I have to treat them by rubbing them with antibiotic cream. One day I thought, why not treat the earring post with the antibiotic cream and then put them in my earlobes. I coated the earring post with the antibiotic cream and then put them in. I was able to wear them all the day with no problem, soreness, or red earlobes. Now I am able to wear any earrings I want with no problems. Try this, it really worked great for me.

By Dorothy from New Creek, WV

Flushmate Pressure Flush System Recall Due To Exploding Toilets

An exploding toilet is quite a comical thought at first with lots of imagined pictures in our mind (mine was of being jettisoned into the air), but what if you or someone you know actually happens to have this particular pressure flushing system?

For you, your loved ones, and your property safety sake please read this U.S. Consumer Safety and Health Canada recall report just in case you or someone you know does have this system installed.

http://flushmate.com/recall/recall-announcement.pdf

Source: U.S. Consumer Safety Reports

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Keep Birdbath Clean

I change the water in our birdbath every 3-4 days. To keep moss from building up in the bowl, I brush the bowl good and then tip it up and slosh the dirty water out. Using the hose, I spray the remaining dirty water out and fill it with fresh water. To have the brush handy, I keep it on top of the hose reel.

We've had this birdbath for about 10 years and this is my first year keeping it clean with the brush and it is working very well.

By Betty from NC

Saving Money on Healthy Food

I have a restricted diet. I admit sometimes it get boring to eat the same type of food so I have been trying to change it up some lately. Summer is the perfect season to get fruits and veggies, but even frozen things can be fresh. I have found it's the texture of things you miss most. I have a couple so far I love. They save you tons of money over already made, as well as being quick.

I miss popcorn. If you do it on the stove, it takes unwanted oil. As for microwave popcorn, if you ever look what's in that bag most wouldn't want to eat it. I saw on TV how to make fast, microwave popcorn that is organic. You buy brown paper bags and organic popcorn. Put 1/4 cup in bag, fold over end and place in microwave. Each microwave is different so stand near until you hear corn stop popping. Mine takes 2 minutes for 1/4 cup, and every corn kernel popped!

You can add what you like that is fresh, not that hydrated stuff inside ones you buy. Mozzarella cheese is my favorite. Try cinnamon and sugar if you like sweet, Italian Seasoning, Creole Seasoning or butter. This way you get to choose what you are adding. The cost, even if you buy it at Dollar Store, is much cheaper and the taste is way better. So easy and it tastes great with no guilt.

Make your own trail mix by putting oatmeal, coconut and almonds in oven for about 30 minutes on a cookie tray. About 350 degrees F on a lower rack is where I did mine. Add raisins, dried cranberries, dried pineapple; really whatever you are hungry for.

One my best friends had told me about a quick dinner when peppers went on sale (10 for $10). I don't eat red meat so I used turkey instead. I also used brown rice. You can put anything else you want in the filling: onions, seasonings, garlic. Once it's mixed together with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, you put it in bright peppers which are in season. I filled cleaned out red peppers and then put them in oven for 30 minutes. It's up to you if you like softer peppers or not. Once it done to how you like it, take it out and enjoy dinner. For me, I was able to freeze 7 meals, and give one away! All organic, fast, so good and saved me money.

Whatever is on sale at the market is what I am going "change it up" with all summer long. Buying organic and trying to be healthy doesn't have to get boring. Not even what you drink. A watermelon has brought me such delight. You can take the juice and freeze it (cubes, paper cups, etc.). Add that to a fresh container of water with lemon in it. It's amazing how fast, easy and wonderful tasting watermelon lemonade tastes. Putting it in empty water bottles mean you can take it on the go. With all the cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges and apples out there on sale, I promise not going be bored anytime in next few months.

Enjoy your summer and try new things. Saving money is an additional bonus. Try some of these ideas and you'll be surprised what you come up with.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA

Keep Skin Moist After Showering

Not drying off with a towel after your shower or bath can save your skin from aging, drying out and help to absorb the lotion better. I have old terry cloth robes that I put on when getting out of a shower. Look at your thrift store, sometimes you can get lucky. I did with a brand new one, now that is old. Some people have the towels from their weddings so as long as terry works, all is well.

In summer, our skin get drier and ages more so, of course, always use SPF even if you can't see the sun. I know how damaging those rays are! My doctor is the one who told me that using towels and rubbing hard on our skin is damaging. It tugs, pulls and removes more moisture then you really want to. He recommends "air dry" but for some of us, that is impossible. We can wrap the towel around us or, like me, put on a terry cloth robe while there is still water on your skin.

The weather, no matter where you live, is hurting your skin, either by air conditioning, the difference between outdoor or indoor humidity, sun drying, or heavy fog in the air (most of the West Coast). It is something that I noticed a difference in immediately. Within a week, there was a huge change in my skin.

While you are still moist, put lotion on then. It goes further into your skin and lasts longer. I was told "no" on any perfumed lotion. One with cucumbers, berries, Shea butter or cocoa butter is the best. Anything in the lotion that isn't a natural item means your body is absorbing it. My way is if I don't know what it is or how to pronounce it, I don't use it. There are great lotions that fit my budget without perfume added. If you can't find one, try coconut oil. It comes in a hard form which is perfect for using on your body. Mine was 99 cents, works great.

Perfumed lotion on your wrists or with cologne is alright. It helps you extend the great smell and you are using less of it. Having it in your soap or lotion is what hurts your skin by making it dry, helping aging faster.

Don't forget Vaseline is your best friend for those elbows and feet If you are in chlorine, it is the same as being in bleach. We all know what that does to our bodies. Try sleeping in some socks after putting Vaseline on your feet.

My doctor and I also talked about people who twisted their hair, either in a towel or just after you wash it. Most people have done that for years. If I hadn't been told, I probably still would be doing it. Wet long hair is easily broken, Going easy on twisting it too hard or putting a comb or brush through it roughly. It breaks it faster then bleaching or over processing it. Gently use a comb right after you condition your hair. It will break less and be as healthy as your skin is going be.

Have a great summer. Enjoy it for years to come. I love my doctor, he knows I hate all the aging thing. Laughing he told me "Enjoy it and smile. You're as young as you look"! He is a dermatologist with his heart in the right place.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA

Planning a Frugal 4th of July Party

I like to host a party. We usually have several very large ones a year, once we had around 300. I spend minimal money and energy in having them. We live on a large farm, so most of my events are outside. People always ask how I do it, so I am going to share some of my tips, based on 30 years of experience. Most of these pertain to July 4, but you can easily adapt for "any" holiday.

1. Go where you have the most space. For me, that is here at our home, which is a large farm. That allows me to have my events outside. If you don't have a large outside space, then you will need to move indoors and keep your guest list smaller, or find an outdoor space such as a local park.

2. Keep it appropriate for the weather. You don't want a large outside party when it is 120 or 30 degrees out. Always have a back up plan in place in the event of bad weather. Your backup plan should be either a second location or a rain date.

3. Decorate for the event "frugally". Watch for sales before and after the event. Remember items can be reused for more than one holiday. I have all my holiday items in clear plastic totes in my basement clearly labeled. I have patriotic, (this includes Memorial Day, President's Day, July 4, etc.), Valentines Day, Easter, summer, winter, fall, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas.

   However, for the event I am hosting next week for July 4, I will be dipping into my Valentine and Christmas totes as well as my patriotic one. Why? For the red items. Red candles aren't just for Christmas, or Valentine, or July 4. Items such as red candles, lines, or tins can be used numerous times throughout the year. The red candles I will be using I bought after Christmas last year for 29 cents each.

   For tablecloths, you can use quilts, clean unstained sheets, or reusable tablecloths. I never use the disposable ones. Why pay for them year after year when for just a few dollars more you can have one that will never wear out or rip for years and years. This year I will be using a couple quilts and some red and blue sheets to cover my tables. (As another savings, I am borrowing our tables from our church, no fees to rent or money tied up in buying them).

   Centerpieces are items found around the house, such as a blue speckled graniteware bowel to hold my red cloth napkins, another blue speckled graniteware crock to hold the silverware. I have some Mason jars that I will fill with colored sand and candles or red, white, and blue marbles and then will stand a small flag or pinwheel in. Some 25 cent baskets found at a garage sale have been spray painted red, white, and blue to hold the cups and plates. Hobby Lobby had some small wooden stars which I painted gold. Those can be scattered on a table top for July 4 or Christmas. Christmas lights of red, white, and blue will be in the trees. From the dollar store I have reusable plastic containers for chips and food. I have them in red, white, blue, green, orange, and pastel yellow. I paid 50 cents each for them and with this color combination all the holidays are covered. All my items are reusable and are used over and over, thus, no expense after you buy them the first time.

4. Keep your guests entertained. I have a large assortment of puzzles and games: checkers, horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, cards, and such that can be played outdoors. I even put a kids table up with coloring sheets and crayons. I have an old wooden table that the girls and I painted a checkerboard on that people sit at and play on the front porch. People have fun playing the games or watching others play. Playing a game with someone you don't know well is a great ice breaker and a good way to get to know them. Before my guests arrive, I scatter the games around on the tables set up and make sure the nets are up. Usually the guests go right to the games.
5. Keep your food costs down. For my July 4 party, I am telling my guests to bring a covered dish to share, and hotdogs. I am making the drinks (ice tea, lemonade, and water), and a large roaster full of baked beans, providing the paper-ware and hotdog buns, and a few desserts and chips. I usually label my food tables, with tags: desserts, chips, salads, etc. so people know where to put their dishes. I have a few ice chests for cold items and the hotdogs to go into under the table. This keeps them fresh until serving. My husband will either light the bonfire (if it is cool) or man the grill, if it is too hot for a large fire.
6. Tell you guests to bring what they will want. This year's invite told my guests to bring (a covered dish to share and hotdogs as stated above), lawn chair, guitar, or instrument if they want to share, fishing poles, or any favorite outdoor games, and fireworks (as many live in town and can't shoot them off). This also tells my guests that this will be an outdoor event.
7. Do what you can before the event. I will mow 2 days prior. This way, anyone with allergies won't be bothered by fresh cut grass. The day before I will make my baked beans and prepare to decorate. The morning of, I will make my drinks, decorate, and set up the tables. Also several days before I will start my ice and making my cubes for the drinks (see tip 9).
8. Make for an easy clean up. I will have a large trash container outside so guests can throw away their own paper plates and cups.
9. One simple trick to keep your drinks cold is to make your ice cubes out of your drink. My tea will have frozen tea cubes, not water ice cubes, and the same with my lemonade. This will keep the drinks from getting warm and diluting.
10. Make sure you have items on hand that guests may need. Plenty of toilet paper is a must! Also have a first aid kit, plenty of plates, cups, buns, and silverware. This is why you ask your guests to RSVP. Even if you have an outdoor event, you need to be aware some people will come into the house, such as moms to change diapers, nursing mothers, or someone who just can't be outside, such as 85 year old Aunt Edna.

    In this case, make sure they have a place that is clean and comfortable, and where they can see out the window to watch the events. Possibly have a game or puzzle inside for them as well. Lock any doors that you don't want your guests going into. If you have a large house, you might even want to put up some signs pointing the way to the restroom. You may also need to put up the cat and tie the dog up. No one wants your animal babies jumping on them, or in their food.

11. Once your guests arrive, rest and relax with them. Guests can not be at ease if you aren't. Yet at the same time, be aware of needing to refill your tea container or putting more dogs on the grill.

Source:

By April from NW, MO

Red Cloth for your First Aid Kit

Anyone who has children knows some kids scream louder after being hurt, especially when they see the blood! I know I have a couple who are that way. So I now use a red cloth when they get cut so they can't see the blood.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Keep Slivers of Soap in Sewing Kit

I keep those slivers of soap in my sewing box. The skinny, thin slivers work great for marking my seam, or make an X on the material. It washes off so easily. I've used it for crafts, or for sewing.

It is also good to rub over itchy seams made by thick thread or those itchy tags. Just rub it over the itchy spot and it smooths it where it doesn't irritate your skin.

By Nana Lee

Help Pets Beat the Heat with Frozen Treats

Freeze pet treats in broth to give a nice cooling refreshment. Add whatever your pet likes. I have added drained Spring Water from tuna, and beef or veggie broth from the slow cooker. I add whatever amount of snacks and treats will fit in the container and set them in the freezer until frozen. I even added some peanut butter. Our dog Blackie LOVES them!

I have made several ahead and now can pop them out of the containers and slip them down into a ziplock bag. Here's a short video I did:

Source: I first saw this on Pinterest and then later realized it's an item for sale through Amazon.

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia MO

Storing Cookware on a Chain

The best way I've found so far to store unused cookware, is on a chain (nail was already there) using older metal shower curtain rings through the hole in the pot handle. I had one with a glass lid, so I figured I could use large rubber bands to strap the lid on so I could hang that one as well.

Other things could be hung this way including stuffed animals, using a ribbon, cord around their neck, or a bracelet on the wrist to suspend them from. Or if you have a lot of coffee mugs, you could free up a lot of cabinet storage!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

Use Homemade Mod Podge for Crafts

Make your own Mod Podge for decoupage. I just covered the lid of a jewelry box I got for $.50. The inside was a lovely red satin and velvet, but the top was down to the cardboard. It was white leatherette, and I found a 50's vintage fashion photo in Bazaar, just the right size, and used my homemade mod podge (which is just white glue thinned with water!) to decoupage the top. Now it looks as if it's always been that way and is quite stylish, all for $.50, a magazine photo, and some white glue!

Source: me and a craft activity I saw at a fair years ago where they used this white glue solution.

By Pam from Los Angeles, CA

Keeping Cool

Put a fan in front of your A/C unit in your home to spread cool air around quicker.

By naisi30 from Bassfield, MS

Keeping Track of Leftovers

Since I live alone, when I cook an item of food or open a whole can, I put the leftover amount usually at least a cup in a l/2 pint jelly jar. I use a stick on file folder label or mailing label and I write the date and contents. Then when I prepare a meal for one, I look in the freezer to see what I have that I can combine with a meat, etc. to make a complete meal. It is very convenient and prevents a lot of food waste. The small jars sit on the door shelves of my freezer until needed.

By Draden from TX

Reduce Soap Waste Using Cord Ties (Zip Ties)

In this economy, I am reworking all the closets in my home and trying to organize and be more frugal. Using my cord ties to bind up long computer cords etc., I came across an idea that actually works in my bathroom.

In the past, I've watered down my soaps to save money. My son likes to use a lot more than he needs, don't we all? I decided to use a cord tie on my liquid soap dispenser to eliminate waste of the hand soap.

I just attatched one to the pump where the dispenser pumps the soap out. You can use a smaller one if you think you want more soap. Works great and saves money!

By Susan from Elkhart, IN

Reducing the Odor from Food Scraps in Trash

Save your cereal boxes or cake mix boxes and use them to scrape your food off your plates in when cleaning kitchen or doing dishes. That way if your trash starts to stink before you can get it outside to the trash, all you have to do is remove the box, and take it out. I started doing this and usually I end up putting the scrapes into the box and then the box into a plastic grocery bag.
Makes it easier too, not to have food falling out of your trash bag, or leaking into other items while waiting to fill the big can.

By Nana Lee

Grandma Kennedy's King-Size Applesauce Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. allspice
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. soda
• 3 Tbsp. ground chocolate
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce or homemade (recipe follows)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:

For homemade applesauce: Barbara recommends a sweet-tart mix of Jonagold, Cameo and Rome varieties. Don't use Galas unless you want a chunky texture. Cut, core and peel the apples. An apple peeler can make the process faster. A good one costs about $25. Barbara said the cheap ones are not worth buying. If you prefer applesauce with a strong flavor, leave the peels on.

Place prepared apples in a saucepan and cook until soft. Add a little water (experiment with the right amount based on how juicy the apples are). Cook apples until they are soft. Place cooked mixture in a food mill for a smooth texture, or use a potato masher for a chunky style. Add cinnamon and sugar to taste. Applesauce can be made in large batches and frozen or canned.

For cake: Cream shortening and brown sugar. Add applesauce and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix. Pour into 13 x 9 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Source: My sister was interviewed in Colorado because she grows apples there but she got this recipe from my mom, Ida Kennedy from Edmonds, WA. I love it! From Real Cooks: a special series featuring local cooks. Recipes courtesy of Barbara Gott.

By Teresa from Lynnwood, WA

Recycle Blue Jean Material

When my children were growing up, I cut the legs off their bluejeans and made shorts for the summer months. I saved the legs and made several things from them. I remember one being a cover for the dog bed and another a tennis racket cover.

I ran across the tennis racket when cleaning out the closet the other day. Bluejean material is tough and will hold up for years and years. This was made in the 80s.

By B from NC

Bird Feeders and Confused Squirrels

I hang my birdfeeders on a shepherd's pole. There are 3 squirrels that keep climbing on the pole sitting on the bird feeders and eating all the feed. I yelled at them, threw things at them, and still they climbed and ate.

Finally my husband suggested I spray the poles with Pam so I went out and sprayed them really good. The next morning we were woken up by the squirrels barking and my husband saw them trying to climb up the pole only to slide back down.

All day the squirrels kept trying, only to slide back down. It was so funny! Finally they decided they would hang around the bottom of the feeders and eat whatever the bird dropped which wasn't much!

By Jackie from Salisbury, MD

Homemade Granite Counter Top Cleaner

Do not use citrus based cleaners, you can damage granite counter tops. Do not use Windex it will strip the seal off the stone. Mix 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, or cheap vodka, and 3 drops of dish soap, into a 16 oz. spray bottle then fill the rest with water, and shake. It will give counter tops a nice shine. This cleaner also works on appliances.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Making the Most of Your Veteran Benefits

A lot of places take veterans benefits to help aid in rent at assisted living homes and some private care homes. When we get older we think the rent for a private facility is way beyond our reach. However, if you are a veteran or a spouse of a veteran you may be entitled to a substantial amount of money to go towards your room and board every month. Also, many Veterans Administration hospitals give you free medical attention and medications. There are some exclusions to medication so you'd have to check into it. This can help you have a home away from home that is affordable.
So be sure to ask if you can get veterans benefits for a doctor visit, medication, and rent. It really helps a lot of people who do not belong in a nursing home.

Source: My place of business.

By Gem from VA

Reuse Vacuum Cleaner Bags

Vacuum cleaner bags can get expensive and I found a great tip. When the bag is full, unfold and cut the top or bottom of the bag out, empty in another trash bin. Using a stapler fold and staple the bag back together and replace just like a new one.

Source: My mom told me.

By Janace Lynn M. from Lawton, OK

Cure of a Dry Nose

If your nose gets dry and crusty, especially during allergy season, there is a simple cure. Using a cotton swab, wipe the inside of your nose with an antibiotic ointment. This also works great for someone on oxygen therapy.

Source: Dr. Michael Vidas, M.D. ENT specialty

By Susan E. from Peoria, IL

Removing Stains from Your New Dress

Hey guys, the best tip ever is too simple. You just need to rub a lemon on the stain and it actually vanishes :) So no more worries.

By Sana from Mumbai, Maharashtra

Storing Herbs In Recycled Parmesan Containers

I grow a lot of herbs, after I take and dry them I remove it from the branches and grind them. The jars are perfect to store it in until I want to put it in smaller jars or mix some together. They keep the herbs fresh. I store then in a dark place.

By Cora from N.C.

Freezing Green Onions for Later Use

There was a pretty good deal on onions at the farmers market, so I got a few bundles. The green stems were clipped to size with kitchen shears, bottled, and placed in the freezer. Normally we only use green onions for fried rice, but my son likes omelets sometimes, so he might shake a few green onions into one! Very handy.

The bulb ends were placed in water and sat in the kitchen window to continue growing more onions. If all goes as planned we won't ever have to buy any more onions !

Source: This idea was found on pinterest. There are several items that can be re-grown from scraps!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

Composting is Easy and Inexpensive

I garden on what some people consider to be a large scale (to me it isn't). I also compost, I have been doing it for over 40 years. What gets me are the people who make comments such as "I wish I had room to compost" or "I don't have enough to compost", or "I don't know how to compost" and the killer is "I don't have the money to compost".

Composting is simple, easy, takes "no" money and little brains. Do you have a large container with a hole or leak in it, such as a trash barrel, tote, or hamper? If so, use it. If not, composting can be done in a pallet, small fenced area, or simply a pile. It will break down faster if you place it in a sunny location. Your container can not be water tight, as that will hold rain water and attract mosquitoes and your items will not compost properly. I use a animal stock tank (water tank) that has a hole in it.

Into your compost area, you will put any grass clippings and yard waste, and vegetative kitchen waste, such as egg shells, potato peelings, pot contents from the houseplant that died, the insides from your Halloween pumpkin, that tomato that went bad in the refrigerator, or old salad that never got eaten. Do not use meats, they do compost well, but they smell and attract raccoons, cats, and dogs; so you want to avoid that. Also, do "not" add contents of the cat litter box.

Every time you add something or at least weekly, stir your compost pile with a shovel or pitchfork. If it is dry, water it. Over time, the combination of the sun, heat, and water will break down your pile contents into nice rich compost. When needed, remove it from the pile and use. You may want to start a 2nd pile if the first pile is ready, or you may elect to turn your first pile into a place to plant.

No fancy additives are needed, no fancy equipment or containers. It is very simple, just takes time.

You can also compost over the winter months, but if your area freezes, it will be a slower process.

By April from NW, MO

Cell Phone Alarm as Reminder for Medication

I set the recurring alarm on my cell phone. I may not hear it immediately when it goes off, but I'll see it sooner than later as I look at my phone quite often. The only downside to this is my phone's alarm will go off even if the phone is turned on silent or even turned off. So, I set my alarms to be a single beep so it's not going off at inappropriate times.

By cdoss from Cincinnati, OH

Reusing Food Packaging

I reuse bread bags for used kitty litter. The plastic grocery bags are easy to tear, but the bread bags are more durable. I reuse the plastic grocery bags (what few I get) in my bathroom for those smelly items before I put it in the trash.

I also take the large dry dog food bags, (the kind that are made out of some sort of fiber, not the regular paper ones) and made tote bags, etc. I made one crossover type bag for picking blueberries. It is hard to sew, but if you sew with tissue paper, it doesn't slide as badly. I've got one now that I cut down and cut square handles in it for when I brush my dog, iI put the hair in it, or I put all his grooming stuff in it. I found the tips for doing these on this site!

Of course, I can hardly ever throw out a plastic butter container. I reuse them for leftovers, cold, old grease, etc. I borrowed some softener and put it in a plastic squeeze mustard container I'd saved. And the plastic squeeze ketchup/mustard bottles you can buy at the dollar store, I put liquid shortening in one, and some vinegar in the other, so when I want to add some vinegar to my pot of beans to get rid of the gas, I just squeeze it in.

I rinse out plastic "zip" bags and reuse if they've had cookies, chips, or sandwiches in them. I'm careful not to reuse any that have had meat, etc. in them.

I've been recycling food containers for many years before recycling was hip. I used to save boxes, cans, etc. for my preschool room's kitchen. It was much cheaper back then from the "store bought" play food.

Probably the best, most recent re-use of an item is what my dad did last week. He killed a copperhead snake and didn't want the cat to get to it, so he put it in a plastic coffee container with a tight lid before disposing of it. He offered the container to me, and I quickly told him "No Thanks!"

By Denise from GA

Use Solar Patio Lights as a Night Light

Instead of turning on lights at night for water and bathroom breaks, use a simple electric free night light. The dollar stores sell the small solar patio lights that stake into the ground for around $2.50 each. Stake one of those into some houseplants that are in sunny locations, and of an evening, after you turn the house lights off, they will provide enough light for you to be able to see your way to the kitchen without having to turn on the overhead lights that blind you and disturb others. They also work well for people to see, who come in late, after the rest of the house has gone to bed.
Since they are solar, they also work during power outages as well.

By April from NW, MO

Organizing Dirty Laundry?

I read all the tips for organizing dirty laundry and have to shake my head in amazement. Why do you let your dirty laundry pile up so much? Keep ahead of your dirty laundry by washing, drying, and putting away at least one load per day. The descriptions you have provided amount to what Flylady.net refers to as Mount Washmore.

Best wishes.

Source: www.flylady.net

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

Repairing Motor Coupling in Kenmore Washing Machine

If you have an older washing machine that stops spinning, the problem may be a cracked motor coupling. The replacement part runs about $15.00, but you can easily spend $150.00 having a repairman come out and fix it, so this one is definitely worth doing on your own.

Steps:

1. Disconnect Control Panel:

   Depending on your washing machine model, the control panel could be attached several ways. On my machine I had to remove the end caps. Remove a screw on each side that held the cover on the control panel. Then disconnect the control panel cable (this has a little tab you need to press to release it).

2. Remove washing machine case:

   Use a screw driver to pop the metal holding clip on each side of the washer. The cover is now lose. pull it off and set aside (you may need help for this part).

3. Remove pump:

   Remove first the bottom clip and then the top to release the pump. Be sure to support the pump with your other hand while you do this. Move pump to the side (this would be a good time to check for little baby socks that might have been sucked into the pump).

4. Disconnect and remove motor:

   Disconnect the electrical cable (depressing the tab to release it). Unscrew the bolts holding the motor in place. The pump is heavy so be sure to support it with your other hand as you remove first the bottom screw, then the top one. Move pump out from the washer. The motor coupling is on the back.

5. Check Motor Coupling:

   Your motor coupling is made up of 3 parts and attaches the back of the motor. All of the pieces may have detached with the motor, as pictured below. However, some or all of the parts may still be attached to the washer (rather than the motor), as seen in this picture. This is a lose connection, so if the coupling didn't come off with the motor, take it off the washer. Check for cracks or breaks in any of the three parts of the motor coupling. If you find any cracks, replace the coupling and reassemble your washing machine by reversing these steps.

By Stephanie from Hillsboro, OR

Buy Liquor for the Wedding Over Time

My niece had a wedding for 200 people last fall, with an open bar. My sister started buying the liquor a bottle or 2 per week until the big day came a year later. It hurt a lot less that way financially.

Source: My sister

By Jaye N. from Orlando, FL

Keep Socks Together in the Wash

I was tired of losing socks in the wash so I came up with an easy idea to keep them together. I safety pin together my sock pairs! Most households have safety pins lying around, so put them to good use! If you don't have any safety pins or not enough pins, they can be bought cheaply at a store like WalMart or a craft store like JoAnn's or Michael's, and it doesn't matter which size is used. A lot of Sunday papers have circulars for these craft stores, so if you get the paper (or a friend does) you could even use a coupon! Hey, it's your money, so who cares if the checkout girl looks at you funny for using a coupon on such an inexpensive item!

I have a pretty glass mug full of safety pins on my bedroom bookshelf and usually pin my socks together when I take them off, before I toss them in the hamper. There are also safety pins in the laundry room, so if I find unmatched socks when I am sorting the laundry, I can pin them then and prevent losing them to the dryer!

By SuzyQ82 from Willoughby, OH

Use Silicone Bakeware For Small Beads

I use silicone cupcake bakeware for beading with smaller beads. I use one cup for each color and just roll each bead up the "flute" and put it on the needle or string. It makes the project so much more quicker and easier to do.

Source: I used to work at an Arts and Crafts store that also sells bakeware. The idea came to me when I was restocking the bakeware shelf one day.

By Jan from Bucksport, ME