Tip Contest Results

Fennel Seeds For Gas and Bloating

I was trying to figure out what to wear to my girlfriend's birthday party when I realized none of my skirts or pants were fitting, not even close! I looked in the mirror and was shocked to see I suddenly looked 9 months pregnant. I was very bloated.

I remembered that my father had told me about chewing on fennel seeds to help aid in digestion and eliminate gas. I chewed on a spoonful, swallowed it down, and sure enough, I returned to my normal size within the hour. Fennel seeds also freshen your breath really well. If you can't stand the taste, just boil the spoonful in a pint of water, strain, and drink hot or cold. Works like a charm!

By attosa from Los Angeles, CA

Bread Tag for Broken Flip Flop

I could have used this tip so many times, I have broken so many flip flops. Next time you do just attach a bread tag onto the bottom of your shoe, it will hold it in place. Carry a tag in your purse since it usually happens when you're out.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Egg Carton Mancala Game

"Thank you soooooo much for allowing us to do that!" said many of my students after a class period of playing Mancala. We'd been studying African literature - in particular "Sundiata," a tale from Mali, where the cruel king killed everyone who played the game with him and lost.

Mancala is considered one of the oldest games in the world and is played just about everywhere nowadays - by the wealthy on beautifully carved ivory boards covered in gold, and by children who dig holes in the earth and use pebbles or seeds as playing pieces. When my students played, they used dried beans and empty egg cartons.

Setting Up:

Should you choose to play the game as my students did, here's how to begin:

Place the board (egg carton) horizontally between you and your opponent. Then each of you takes 24 playing pieces (beans) and puts four of them in each of the six egg "cups" on your side of the carton. The two larger bins at each end of the carton (made from the halved lids of the egg container and called Kalahas) are left empty at the start of the game.

Object of the Game and How It's Played:

If you are the first player, scoop up all the beans from any one of the six cups on your side of the egg carton. Now, moving to your right, drop one bean into each cup you come to, including your Kalaha (the one on the right) and continue to drop one bean into each cup on your opponent's side. Skip her Kalaha, however. If the last bean in your hand lands in your Kalaha, you get to go again; otherwise, it's your opponent's turn.

Capturing:

If the last bean that you drop gets into an empty cup on your side of the carton, you get to capture any of your opponent's beans in the cup directly across from yours. When you capture these beans, you take all of them, along with your single bean that did the capturing, and you put them into your Kalaha. It's then your opponent's turn.

How the Game Ends:

The game is over when all six cups on either your side or your opponent's side are empty. When this happens, the player who still has beans in her cups gets to move all of these beans into her Kalaha. The winner, the one with the most beans in her Kalaha, can say "Nashinda", which means "I've won!" in Swahili.

Perhaps you would like to play at home with your children or grandchildren. I think they'd enjoy egg carton Mancala as much as my students did, and you could begin and enjoy almost at a moment's notice.

By Viaux from Miami, FL

Keeping Flames Down on a Grill

A good thing to have when you are grilling is to go buy a empty squirt bottle and when you get home fill it with water. So when you are grilling you can squirt water on the flames to keep them down. It also comes in handy if you want to steam some food.

By Teresa L S. from Campbellsville, KY

Simple Mint Insect Repellant

I stopped using chemical sprays to get rid of bugs when I found that mint works just the same. It's very effective and super cheap. Here are a couple ways to use mint as an insect repellant.

Boil a bunch of mint leaves with a few orange peels in some water and let it sit over night. Strain the next day and mix with equal parts rubbing alcohol. Pour in spray bottle. This is my favorite easy-to-make, natural insect repellant.

Crush some dried mint leaves and put in little sachets in your kitchen cupboards. They will deter pantry moths. They also work against small rodents and ants. You can also just use mint teabags!

By attosa from Los Angeles, CA

Coupon Clipping Takes Organization

I have clipped coupons for over 36 years now and I have saved thousands of dollars in grocery costs! I fondly remember one shopping trip I took where the total was $300 before my coupons and $30 AFTER! It felt fantastic!

Start with a shoebox or other small box (I use an old cloth lunchbox pictured here) and cut out 2 cardboard squares for each category (or use 3x5 cards but I find them too weak). Make categories of the groceries that your family uses. My categories are (in alphabetical order to find easily):

• baby
• beverages (I choose to have one for HOT and one for COLD)
• breakfasts (again, I like Hot and Cold)
• baked goods
• beauty
• cat (pet)
• cheese
• chemicals
• condiments
• health (OTC medicines, razors, soaps, toothpaste and beauty)
• hair (I do this separately for an easy find)
• ice cream
• meats
• paper products
• quick meals (any prepared foods)
• snacks (I separate sweet and salted snacks and include nuts)
• soups and sides
• vegetable and fruits
• vitamins
• yogurt
• Misc. (for those unique coupons that come along like water filters, magazines, etc.)

You can list the categories on the front of your card to remind you what is there. For example: my card for "sides" says noodles, rice, and pasta below the word sides. I also have a TODAY category card for shopping day and when I find a coupon that I will use I put that in that file to make sure I use it at the checkout!

I file the coupons under their category but I now include two cards of each category and use the first card for the coupons in that category that will be expiring within the next 30 days/month, then I can take a quick scan of them before shopping. I add a little tab to each 30 day category card just to find them easily in the store.

I also include my shopping list, paper, small scissors, pen, and a magnifying glass, since coupon lettering seems to be getting "much smaller lately. ;) I would also add an address label or at least your name and phone number taped to the inside of the lid. I have left behind my coupons on 2 occasions over the years and both times the store called me and I got them back safe and sound!

Note: There are many online coupon sites now too where you pick the coupons you want and use! Choose them, cut them out, and file them as you go. Some folks run an ad in the paper and exchange coupons (ThriftyFun has one on this site). It's great to get the coupons you need (like pet food) and to give others some they may desperately need (like diapers).

Keep an open mind about brands as well. Try new ones if you needed that product anyway or have a great high valued coupon for something you may not have ever used yet! If there is something new or a little more expensive than what you want to buy, check out the company's website! Many new items have coupons there. In my car I keep one of those smaller, wallet sized coupon holders with dividers and write the 12 months (plus a NO Expiration category) on those dividers and add my other coupons in that folder. Things likes: oil changes, tire coupon discounts, restaurant coupons, "free coupons" I may have gotten through refunds, and miscellaneous coupons in other stores. I make sure to check them out each month to remember what to use before they expire.

There are coupon clubs and now I see some libraries are even adding little shoebox/coupon boxes where volunteers and patrons throw in coupons they don't need and you can take what you want! If your library doesn't offer it, maybe you can mention it. Have fun saving at the registers!

By AHA! from NEPA

Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Use Windex and coffee filters. The fibers in the coffee filters help get handprints and other things off stainless steel much better than a paper towel and dries clean without leaving smudges.

By Debbie N from Tacoma, WA

Uses for Stocking Tops and Pantyhose

Cut off the elastic tops of your tights and stockings before throwing them away. I use the stocking tops for hair bands and scrunchies. I use the elastic from the waistband of tights to secure my rubbish bag around the bin and also to keep the cat litter bag in place. I have used the legs from old tights to secure a parcel. Nice and strong!

By Monique from Somerset, UK., Weston-super-Mare

Pop Bottle for Measuring Pasta Serving Size

I use a plastic Coke bottle to get the perfect size portion of pasta. For adults, use a 2 liter plastic bottle, fill it until there is no room left at the mouth of the bottle. This will give you a nice hearty portion, and you won't waste anything.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Maid Service During Chemotherapy

The following tip appeared in our recent condo newsletter. I had not heard of this before, but it sounds like a great idea for women undergoing chemo:

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning, once a month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment.

"Cleaning for a Reason" will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.

It is our job to pass the word. Let them know that there are people out there that truly care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

By Joan from Chesterfield, MI

Editor's Note: Here is a link to their site:

• http://www.cleaningforareason.org

Do Not Automatically Renew Your Computer Antivirus Software

Do not set up to automatically renew your computer antivirus program. My computer came with a trial of Norton Internet Protection. I signed up for a years protection when that expired. The program had installed for it to automatically renew at the end.

Well, almost a month before it was to expire, Norton charged my credit card $78. This was 3 weeks before it was to expire. I made them credit it back, not only because I felt that was too high, but also because they reset my antivirus at that time, and I was basically going to lose out on nearly a month of protection. When it was 1 day prior to expiring, I searched Norton's website, and got the same program for 1 year at a 50% savings plus 15% for being a "good" customer. I ended up saving almost $36 by just clicking the install and run buttons myself. Research before you let them just charge your card

By Cheryl from Trinity, NC

Use Dental Floss for Sewing

Dental floss is cheap and much stronger than any thread. It works extremely well for sewing on buttons, tool holsters on jeans or anything, that you have fixed once before. I have also used it on packsacks and even sled dog harnesses.

By DearWebby from Black Diamond, Alberta

Mason Jar Ring for Perfect Eggs

To get a perfectly round egg use a mason jar ring. Make sure the pan is really hot then pour the egg into the ring so it does not seep out of the ring. Works really well. Also great for small pancakes.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Covering Your Fruit Bowl

This is my screen cover, that is used for covering food when I eat outside. Most of the time it sits in my cupboard. After watching fruit flies around my fruit bowl, I came up with this idea. I put the cover over my fruit bowl. It looks decorative, protects the fruit from flies, and you can still see the fruit.

By Sheila from Ontario

Use a Can Opener to Open Clamshell Packaging

I was having trouble opening a hard plastic package containing my new emergency window hammer. Then I thought of trying to use a manual can opener. I wore some light gardening gloves to retrieve the item. I think with a sharper can-opener I could have gone all around the pack and lifted up the plastic, making it a lot safer.

Source: My own but I have since seen others thought of the idea, too.

By Monique from Somerset, UK., Weston-super-Mare

Use Pie Tins For Grilling

I grill multiple foods (including vegan patties) on pie tins on my grill! I do this so veggies don't stick or fall through the slats into the fire. I can make a few different foods at one time, for parties or just multiple meals for the week. Sauces won't mix together.

I can use a potholder and remove one tin of food that might finish quicker (zucchini for instance) and add another food to the grill. I can even keep the removed tin in an oven if I really want to keep it warm.

It's easy and portable. You can reuse your tins and not waste aluminum foil, which always seem to rip anyway.

By AHA! from North eastern PA

Using Borax to Get Rid of Fleas

Get an old Parmesan cheese shaker and fill it with Borax laundry powder then just sprinkle all over you yard. All the fleas will leave your yard and go to neighbors. As for the inside of your house do the same to all carpeted rugs, let it set for a couple of hours, and then vacuum. It is safe for your dogs and children. Go to the Borax website for many other uses for your home.

Source: www.borax.com

By Cynthia S. from St. Cloud, FL

Store Cupcake Liners in a Pringles Can

I have cupcake wrappers that end up all over the place once I have opened the package. Now I keep them in a Pringles can, they fit perfectly. No more wrappers all over. You can also decorate your can if you like with some nice paper that matches your kitchen.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Keeping Laptop Computer Cooler

Take a baker's rack and set your laptop on it. This lets air flow thru underneath it and thereby keeps your computer cool. This way you do not have to keep buying fans to sit under it to cool it. It works great either sitting it on your lap or on a desk.

By Kathy from Jefferson, LA

Don't Refrigerate Tomatoes

Don't keep tomatoes or citrus in the fridge. The colder temperatures spoil the aroma and taste of these sensitive fruits.

Source: A tip I saved from an online blog.

By Monique from Somerset, UK., Weston-super-Mare

Never Lose Your Hair Clips Again

I clip my hair clips to the towel rack in my bathroom. They fit perfectly!

By Louella from Billings, MT

White Vinegar for Gnats

Everyone knows how annoying gnats can be. Once they are there, it's very hard to get rid of. They nest in damp places, such as sink drains. If you want to get rid of them pour a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar into a small bowl. Put it in the general area of where they are swarming.

You can tell a difference within a day. They will be gone completely within a couple of days. If they are in more than one area, put a small bowl in each area. This really works!

Source: My daughter, Miranda

By Rhonda from TN

Keeping Plastic Drinking Straw Clean

I love my insulated drinking glass and came up with this method for cleaning the straw. I take a small piece of cotton, wet it with hot soapy water and push it through with a kabob skewer. It keeps the tea stains out and I feel satisfied that the straw is clean.

By Betty from NC

Using "Nail Magic" for Natural Nails

Acrylic nails are really hard on your own nails. I did it one time years ago and my nails wouldn't grow afterwards. Then I had cancer surgery and had to take a pill that made my hair start falling out and again my nails wouldn't grow. I was in Sally's Beauty Supply one day and asked if they had anything to make nails grow. They did, it was called Nail Magic. In just a few days my nails started to grow back. The grew back long and strong and no longer break. I have had so many compliments on them.

By Dottie from Indianapolis, IN

Clean Oven Racks with Ammonia

To clean oven racks a lot easier, remove them from the oven and put them in a heavy duty garbage bag. Pour in 1 cup of ammonia and then tie the bag shut. Leave it outside overnight, and then scrub with hot soapy water. The grime will wipe right off.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

"Helium" Balloons on the Cheap

Helium balloons to decorate a party are expensive, and you have to get or fill them on the day of the party. Mylar lasts longer, but is way more expensive. Instead, buy a bag or 2 of latex balloons and a spool of curling ribbon, fill the balloons ahead of time, tie with ribbon, curl the ribbon that hangs down. Then make a circle of Scotch tape, put it on the top of the balloon and stick it on the ceiling.

This works best with standard height ceilings, of course. I did this at a vacation condo the day before the birthday girl arrived to find balloons "floating" all over the unit. Quite a hit! It looked very festive for the cost of a few bags of balloons, some ribbon and tape (under $10, if I remember).

By Linda from Vista, CA

Flea Spray Recipe

I had some outdoor cats that brought fleas in the house. My first response was to reach for the chemical sprays and get rid of them ASAP.

I tried 3 different sprays and they made a difference, but nothing got completely rid of them. I sprinkled salt all over the carpet and that didn't stop them either. I found a recipe that worked very well with vacuuming every day for a week. Spray this every 7 days for at least 2 -3 weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon vinegar
• 1/2 gallon water
• 16 oz. lemon juice (I just bought the cheap lemon juice)
• 8 oz. witch hazel (found in Walmart pharmacy section)

Yay, we are flea free now! I hope this helps. You can also spray this on furniture, walls, etc.

Source: I found this recipe online, but can no longer locate the source.

By cabincove from Ft. Worth, TX

Disposing Junk Cars

First, let me say that metal is money. Don't throw it away just because it looks bad. That said here are a couple of options.

1. Haul the car or metal to a metal recycling location. You can probably find one using Yellowpages.com for your area.

2. Look on Craigslist and see if someone has posted an ad to buy metal. You may not get as much if they are hauling.

3. Call the recycling place to see if they pick up or have names of people who do.

4. Post your metal on Craigslist for sale.

5. Check local papers (trade/news).

6. Ask friends if they know anyone who deals with metal.

7. If the car is old enough, someone might buy it to restore. Post it for sale on Craigslist or a "car" site (google the type of car followed by the word CLUB). This applies to old motorcycles too.

By Suntydt from Tazewell, TN

Use a Towel to Catch Steam from Cooking

If you have a microwave or a fan above your stove, then this tip is for you. I put a towel in the door of my microwave to catch the steam. When you are done cooking, just wipe what steam is left. Most of the steam is absorbed into the dish towel.

By Louella N. from Billings, MT

Prevent Shoulder Damage Now when you are Young

Over the past year, my left shoulder has progressively became worse until just recently I couldn't use it much at all.

The pain began as a small "burning" sensation in my shoulder, then it radiated down the arm to the elbow, then ended in my wrist.

It became so bad that from August till now, I protected the arm, held it close to me, and didn't use it much. When it was hit or overextended, the pain was a 9 on the pain scale and got to the point where it severely impacted my life.

After a long wait, I was finally given prednisone tablets, and physical therapy. So here is what I learned from my doctors and PT staff.

After you age and use your arms a lot, nerves sometimes compress in your spine, up close to the base of the neck. We often overuse the shoulder when we are young, and it gives us problems when we age.

But the real reason I wanted to share this with you is my PT staff said that if you sleep on your stomach or sides, and you put your arm up and under the pillow, this will hurt you more than most of the things we do to damage the shoulder. I was the person who never slept on her back and now that I have no choice, I find it's the only way that doesn't make anything hurt.

My diagnosis was radiculopathy and here is a webmd link for you to check out.

http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=radiculopathy

Now, I am not a member of any medical field so please be kind when you really want to tell me I shouldn't be giving out medical advice. I am simply passing on information that would help save you the pain I am having right now.

I hope I have helped.
PBP

Source: My medical experience.

By Sandi from Salem, OR

Save Money by Reducing Meat in Recipe

I have 2 men in my home, and they both love meat. Whether it's chicken, beef, pork, or lamb they love it! But meat can be expensive when you serve it daily. So I have decided that to save money on meats, I would try different recipes with less meat then called for to see if the guys would notice.

Now, if you are making a roast or fried chicken, obviously you cannot use less or they will notice. But if you are making something like Hamburger Helper or stir fry, you can use up to half the meat called for and they don't know! I add extra veggies or noodles and they never notice. This way instead of 1 dinner for a pound of chicken or ground meat, I get 2.

By Shannon M. from Lakewood, OH

Put Twigs and Leaves in Plant Pots

My German daughter-in-law showed me a neat trick for planting in pots. She put a coffee filter in the bottom of the pot then we went around the yard picking up little twigs and leaves. She broke the twigs up small to drop in the pots and crushed or tore the leaves. She put about two inches in the pot then put in the potting soil and the plant. There are three benefits from this method:

1. It helps keep the yard neat.
2. It will compost in the pot.
3. The pot will not be so heavy as it is with rocks in the bottom.

I have done this all summer and really like it better than having to wag around a pot full of heavy rocks.

By Elaine from OK

Use a Pop Tab to Make a Double Hanger

Use a pop tab to make a double hanger for a top and skirt or top and pants. Put the hanger hook through one of the holes in the pop tab, then hook a second hanger through the other hole.

Source: Tipnut.com

By Elaine S. from Near Cedar Rapids, IA

Baby Bottle Brush for Cleaning Vacuum

Sometimes the clear and not so clear tubes of my vacuum get full of dirt and residue. I bought a baby bottle brush to clean these tubes. It fits perfectly and does the trick quickly.

By Louella from Billings, MT

Use Clothespins as Chip Clips

Buy a bag of clothespins at the dollar store. They make a cheap but very good way to clamp shut your chips, pretzels, or any bag you want to close. I fold the bag down several times and then clip it shut. They are great chip clips! Or you can use the clips that hold papers together, either one will work.

By Dorothy from New Creek, WV

Keeping Lettuce Rust-free

When preparing a head of lettuce, never use a metal knife. Always use a plastic blade. This will keep it from rusting (turning brown), so it looks and tastes so good. Works for me every time.

By dottie46 from USA

Flashlight in Every Room for Power Outages

I keep large flashlights in every room. The kind that take the great big batteries. When the lights go out, I turn one on in the room that I am in. I set it on its end so that it shines toward the ceiling. Since my ceiling is white, it reflects the light and lightens the whole room. It also helps to set it in front of a mirror. That way the light is doubled. I usually have enough light then to see into the next room I go into (bathroom or kitchen). I turn the light on in there until I leave to go back to the previous room that I was in before.

By Nightsong from Hay Capitol of the World!

Cleaning Rust Stains Without Harsh Chemicals

Cider vinegar, tea, or lemon juice will do the job without the harsh chemicals. I prefer cider vinegar, but the tea and lemon juice work also.

For example: if you leave a can or hair spray on the sink counter too long it will leave a rust ring. Problem solved using the above items. Works great!

By Irene from Williston, FL

Hiding Email Coupons in Junk Mail Folder

I love to collect email coupons, but it can really clog up my email inbox. When I get an email from my favorite store or outlet center that has its promotional coupons for print or online savings, I call it "junk" and my email program will move it, and all future promotions, to my "junk" folder. Later, when I am on my way to that store, I check my junk folder for the latest greatest savings. Then print them and go.

By judijo from North Los Angeles County, CA

Coffee in Your Drawers for Moldy Odors

After our family returned to the Pacific Northwest from an extended working vacation, our home smelled of mold.
I found myself washing all of the clothes in my drawers and called my mother for advice. She told me to put coffee grounds (not instant), in small cups or bowls inside of each drawer. It worked like a charm! She also advised that it works great for basements to help absorb the musky smell.

Source: my mom

By Patricia Mabel from Maple Falls, WA

Save When Buying Ground Beef

I wait till the grocery stores have whole sirloin tips on sale. They are usually less than $2.50/lb. I buy and have them ground up for hamburger. This is about half the price of regular hamburger. I pack some in about one pound packages and the rest I make into hamburger patties. It is a great savings for me. I hope that this helps someone else save some money on groceries.

By suzyq0329 from Shallotte, NC

Christmas Key Cone

Purchase an inexpensive Styrofoam cone, actually more of a pyramid, at a craft store. Get one about 8-10 inches tall, that has sides (or larger, if you have a lot of old keys and only want to make one).

Paint the old keys gold. Painting only one side is okay. If more color is needed, use metallic paint of additional hues for some/all of the keys.

The natural sparkle of the Styrofoam seems to lend a bit of a festive air to the decoration, so no paint is needed on the tree itself.

Using straight pins, stick one where you want the top of a key to go, leaving about 1/4 inch sticking out. Hang a key on this, then use another key to prop the key at whatever angle you wish. Keep doing this until you have created the look you desire. Leaving blank spaces between keys gives an attractive look.

You can also made the trees in several sizes with the corresponding keys: small cone, luggage keys, etc. Also, varying the sizes of keys on the larger cones is an option.

I have one that I made years ago, and it still looks great!

By varying the Styrofoam shapes you could also make other decorations, such as cylinders for faux candles, cubes, etc.

Source: A craft magazine back in the 70s, I think.

By Cay from Green Cove Springs, FL

Dealing With Ants Without Poison

Unusally hot weather has led to ants seeking relief in my house. With dogs I do not want to use poisons. Dollar store baby powder sprinkled on window and doorsills and directly on any ant trails kills them and is non-toxic, doesn't reek, or cause risks of toxic pesticides. Baby powder dries out their nasty little bodies and is easy to wipe or vacuum up the next morning. (I leave it on the windowsills for a while unless there are lots of dead ants there.) I have been doing this forever.

By Linda from Vista, CA

Cleaning Stinky Facecloths and Towels

My facecloths were getting to the point of making me want to vomit from the smell they gave off once wet. I found that lots of people are having this problem. I noticed that it was worse if they were not left for enough time in the dryer!

This all started when I started to use liquid washing soaps. So I went back to powder and hot water and a soak for facecloths, towels, and sheets. I also use a similar process for the dishwashing and cleaning cloths we use. I use gel Javex and powdered soap in hot water, to kill those nasty bacteria because cold water "does not" kill any of that.

Well to my total amazement after the first wash all smells have disappeared completely. They are back to smelling like cloth should smell. I am so happy I got rid of it. Believe me, I tried everything (vinegar, soda, soda wash, and so on and so forth). I was thinking of buying new everything again, but I had changed everything last year. The problem is now solved, try it!

By Elfy from Quebec, Qc. Canada

Ornaments Out of Decorated Eggshells

Something I learned to do as a teenager, was egg decorating. It took a lot of concentration but was so worth the end results. This is something particularly good for Christmas as you can make some stunning ornaments to hang on the tree, or get a stand for the egg to have as other decorations not associated with the tree at all.

They can make lovely gifts. If you really enjoy doing it, you can extend how much work you put into it, creating things like jewelery boxes, etc. This type of thing can be as inexpensive or as expensive as the creator wishes.

Some things I did with them (using various types/sized eggs) was to cut into the egg and remove a portion, then create a Christmas scene in the hollow egg. Add glitter around the cut hole used to view the scene, then in a nice pattern around the rest of the egg to give it a really nice sparkle. For my mother's gift, one year after I'd been doing this for some time, I used an ostrich egg to create a jewelery box, lined it with silk, added the bits of hardware necessary. Tt turned out so much better than I'd dare to hope. Good luck with whatever you find for them!

By Hans

Blue Ribbons At The State Fair

I entered a few things in the State Fair this year, and won a blue ribbon for my crocheted teddy and one poem, with a red ribbon for my other poem. I thought you all might like to share in my bragging rights!

The poems are "The Day After Christmas" which was posted very late last year. And a new one I wrote just before the fair, reflecting on a bad time in my life. I hope you enjoy the shots of all three. I will post the poem here since you can't read the small shots in the photos.

Beyond The Glass

I hid once. Squatting in an old building till a gray dog could take me to hide somewhere else.

Minutes passed before my labored breath could catch up to my racing heart and jumbled thoughts. Then hours before both could slow.

With little to do but wait, I tried to avoid the interior debris; cast off bottles and used items who's former owners left for others to deal with.

Eventually though, I began to notice things. In a daze of movement I realized that life had continued to go on outside.

On the other side of a small window still intact, I watched as dusty shoes and car tires, dogs and baby strollers made their way from left to right and right to left.

Most were nothing more than a flash of color, everyone and everything with somewhere else to be. It's funny to think that they felt safer out in the exposed world than I did inside.

They went to jobs and to homes, to stores and to lunches with friends. Going somewhere or coming from somewhere, would they notice, I wondered if I screamed or cried or even whispered "I am here?"

In the dirt and the dark, I stopped hoping to be saved. If it was to happen, it had to be by me.

When you have the time to sit anywhere, even a dark and dusty building, you have time to think. The noise is soft, the light is dim, and you can see more than the feet and the dogs, the tires and the strollers.

You can see things the way they are and not what you think they should be. Decades later, I often think of that abandoned building. Now, as was then, I remember.

I was in fear. I was in awe . . . of the world beyond the glass.

Editor's Note: Here is a link to Sandi's poem "The Day After Christmas", which was published at the very beginning of the year.

• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61252335.tip.html

Source: I made the bear in 06 and the poems in the last 9 months.

By Sandi from Salem, OR

Ornament From Plastic Bottle Caps

I am saving my bottle caps for a Christmas project I found in a craft magazine (sorry, can't remember the name of it). Glue bottle caps together in a circular shape with one in the center. Glue in glitter pom poms in Christmas colors inside the caps, add a string for hanging for a Christmas ornament.

I think on the back side, I'll cut out a picture from old Christmas cards to finish it off. Thought it was a cute idea that I could do with the grandkids for Christmas projects. I save like colors from the bottles, have gold ones and red ones to use.

By HerkDia from Baltimore, Md

Don't Scrub Your Cookie Sheets

Aluminum cookie sheets do much better if you just wash them in the sink. Do not put in dishwasher ever or scrub hard with a metal scrubber. After awhile, your cookie sheets will turn black and be "seasoned" like cast iron and will be practically non-stick.

By littlegamma from Southern, AL

Embellishing Furniture for a New Look

There are inexpensive ways to change the appearance of your furniture. This guide is about embellishing furniture for a new look.