* Tips & Tricks

Three Uses for Coffee Filters

2012-01-24T19:33:00.002-03:00

Three Uses for Coffee Filters

To clean mirrors, windows or polish silver
Cover a dish in the microwave.
Place between good china when storing to prevent scratches.

Healthy After-School Snacks

2012-01-11T17:18:00.000-03:00

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Healthy After-School Snacks

Freeze grapes or banana chunks, which will be sweet and cold!

Or make banana pops by freezing peeled bananas on ice pop sticks, then dip into a little bit of chocolate syrup and refreeze!

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Storing Boots

2011-12-19T11:50:00.002-03:00

Storing Boots

After wearing, stuff boots with newspapers to help keep the shape and the newspaper will help absorb odors too.

Storing Olive Oil

2011-11-13T22:57:00.001-03:00

Storing Olive Oil

It's best to keep the bottle in a cool dark spot away from light because it will last longer. If you put it in the refrigerator, it will become dark and cloudy, but will lighten when it warms to room temperature.

Quotes for the Soul

Dryer Stops Working

2011-11-06T07:44:00.004-03:00

Dryer Stops Working

Before you call a repairperson, check to see if a fuse has blown, that the door is closed tightly and the outside vent to be sure it's not clogged.

Gooey Food Left on Plate

2011-10-31T14:02:00.004-03:00

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Gooey Food Left on Plate

If you have leftover lasagna or baked cheese debris on the plates, sprinkle salt over it and rinse in cold water, then wash as you usually do.

Fire Safety at Home

2011-10-27T11:34:00.000-03:00

Fire Safety at Home

Draw a plan of your home and mark the fire-escape routes. Then teach your children about the exits and how to get out in case of a fire or disaster. Be sure to hold fire drills for the entire family twice a year to make sure everyone knows the importance of what to do in a fire emergency.

Refrigerator Smelly?

2011-10-26T11:33:00.000-03:00

Refrigerator Smelly?

First, throw out any outdated products! Then take two or three charcoal briquettes and put into an open margarine tub. Place in the refrigerator to help absorb odors. Check under the refrigerator too!

Bit of Jam or Jelly Left In a Jar?

2011-10-25T11:31:00.003-03:00

Bit of Jam or Jelly Left In a Jar?

Don't throw it out! Instead, pour in some milk, cover and shake. You will have a yummy fruity shake. Good to the last drop!

Low Fat Recipes

Chocolate Icing

2011-10-14T16:10:00.003-03:00

Chocolate Icing

Try this quick method to add chocolate icing to a cake. Right after you pull the cake out of the oven, cut a chocolate bar into pieces and put on the cake top. They will melt and you can spread the chocolate to cover.

Recycle Envelopes

2011-10-11T19:04:00.000-03:00

Recycle Envelopes

When opening mail, don't toss those envelopes out. Instead, recycle them by using the backside for writing out grocery lists and filling the inside with coupons.

When Cleaning Ovens

2011-10-10T19:02:00.002-03:00

. When Cleaning Ovens

Before you begin, open a window or turn on the vent. This will help to dissipate any noxious fumes. Also don't let pets or kids stay in the area when doing this cleaning task.

Reviving Darkened Aluminum Pots

2011-10-08T21:05:00.000-03:00

Reviving Darkened Aluminum Pots

If these cooking pots have turned a color you don't like looking at or cooking in, you can remove it simply by boiling 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the water.

Peeling a Hard-Boiled Egg

2011-10-07T21:04:00.001-03:00

Peeling a Hard-Boiled Egg

Use this method to remove the shell more easily: Roll egg between your hands to loosen the shell. Put the egg under cool, running water and start to peel the large end.

Spot Treating Clothes

2011-10-05T17:49:00.000-03:00

Spot Treating Clothes

To pre-treat the bottoms of dirty socks and collars, simply wrap a bar of soap with nylon net, secure with rubber bands and then scrub away before putting into the washing machine.

Cool Quotes

Have Extra Food Coupons?

2011-09-27T16:48:00.003-03:00

Have Extra Food Coupons?

If you aren't going to use them, donate to senior or community centers, food banks or coupon exchanges operated by churches or social service organizations.

Making A Bruised Lip Feel Better

2011-09-24T22:42:00.000-03:00

Making A Bruised Lip Feel Better

It seems inevitable that little children will take a tumble or two and create an "ouchie" on their lips. To ease the immediate trauma and tears, give them a frozen ice pop to "cure" the hurt. Of course, if it's bleeding and more serious they will have to visit the doctor.

For Heavy Duty Cleaning

2011-09-21T22:36:00.002-03:00

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For Heavy Duty Cleaning

Mix this: 1/2 cup of sudsy ammonia with enough water to make 1 gallon. This grease cutter can be used to clean areas around the stove or oven and the floor. Ventilate while cleaning. Turn on fan or open windows.

Plastic Wrap Difficult to Unwrap?

2011-09-15T11:55:00.000-03:00

Plastic Wrap Difficult to Unwrap?

If it's stuck, attach a piece of transparent tape, vertically, at the edge of the wrap, which you can then lift up. Also to keep from tangling, store the wrap in the refrigerator or freezer.

Have Leftover Rice?

2011-09-11T01:04:00.000-03:00

Have Leftover Rice?

Don't throw it out. Instead jazz it up with onions, peas, bell peppers or bacon bits. Heat it up in a pan, add an egg or two and sprinkle with soy sauce for a quick fried rice.

Make a Homemade Salt Substitute

2011-09-10T01:02:00.000-03:00

Make a Homemade Salt Substitute

Mix 5 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 tablespoon EACH of paprika, dry mustard and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed. Combine and keep in a spice jar.

SUDOKU - play sudoku on line

Easy Way to Wash Your Dog

2011-09-02T17:07:00.002-03:00

Easy Way to Wash Your Dog
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Put your pooch into your children's plastic wading pool. This will contain it while you use the hose to clean off and the feet will be soaked while standing during the cleaning.

Preventing Paint from Getting on Windowpanes

2011-08-28T12:20:00.001-03:00

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Preventing Paint from Getting on Windowpanes

Before you start to paint windowsills, smear petroleum jelly on the windowpane. It will make it easier to remove any paint that accidentally splashes onto the glass.

Quick-Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain

2011-08-23T12:19:00.000-03:00

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Quick-Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain

Remove mildew and soap film by pouring vinegar over it, then scrub with a sponge or brush. You also can wash plastic shower curtains with a load of terry-cloth towels.

When Making Meatloaf

2011-08-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

When Making Meatloaf

To save on cleanup time, put the meat loaf into a well-washed plastic take-out container. Add the egg and other ingredients and mix with a fork, then press into a nonstick vegetable-sprayed pan.