Dinner Dating

On the subject of freezer efficiency, I like the idea of marking frozen
food with the date by which it should be consumed versus the date it
was put into the freezer. Isn’t it easier to see a package marked with
next week’s date on it and know it’s “time” to plan a particular meal?
Diane S. in North Olmsted, OH

Before I Buy

My best money saver is to look around before buying a new thing. When I
need something, I look all around my home. For example, I needed a
place to put my pile of library books to keep them separate from my other
books. At first, I could not see how I could find a place without
buying a basket. Then I looked again at the second shelf of my end table.
After removing a dish of seashells, there was my place without buying
anything new. Try looking before shopping.
Anne A.

Facial Care

Head-to-toe liquid baby soaps are a great way to clean dirt and oil off
your face. Yet, they are gentle and non-drying. If they are tough
enough to handle cradle cap and gentle enough for the delicate skin of a
baby, then without a doubt they will work on just about any adult skin
type. The generic versions of this product cost less than $1 for 10 or
more ounces. I’ve been using it for over a decade with great results.
Leona in Spokane, WA

Foul Freezer Odors

My mother taught me this, and it still works great years later. To keep
strong odors from spreading through your frozen foods, place several
quart-size freezer bags containing plain charcoal briquettes (not the
kind with starter in them) throughout the freezer. We change the
briquettes in the early summer when we buy the first bag for grilling. This
works like a dream for almost no expense.
Michigan Gardener

Yoga Mats

If you practice yoga on a carpet but find yourself slipping, rather
than buying an expensive yoga mat, just use a rectangle of rubber carpet
underlay (the fishnet kind). It works great for traction, and you don’t
need the cushioning because you’re working out on the carpet. I use a
trimmed end from my own carpet underlay. Now I’m glad I saved it all
those years!
Natalie Anne L. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Saving Egg Substitutes

Once you open a container of egg substitute, the contents spoil
quickly. Here is a tip to help save all of the contents. Once the container is
open, pour the egg substitute into ice cube tray and freeze. Once the
substitute is frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a bag in the
freezer to preserve them. Three of these egg substitute cubes equals 1/4 cup.

SW, Wisconsin

Recycled Pantyhose

Never throw away pantyhose. Use them to make your windows sparkling
clean. Wash the windows with the pantyhose using a cup of vinegar and a
bucket of water. Dry the windows with yesterday’s newspaper. Remember to
use rubber gloves from the dollar store to keep your hands nice and
clean.
Linda O.

Tomatoes!

Tomatoes are in season, and I do not can. Instead, I freeze. I cut up
approximately three to four tomatoes, put them in a freezer resealable
sandwich bag and toss them into the freezer. One bag is equal to a can
of diced tomatoes. This is great for chili, soups, etc. I do the same
with green peppers and onions.
B. M.

Insider Report on Coffee

I received my Masters in Dairy Food Science with a thesis directly
related to cappuccinos and coffee. I used to freeze my fresh roasted coffee
beans for extended life, but this is an improper way to store coffee
beans as the freezing/cold temperature causes the oils to expel from the
beans.
Therefore, the beans should not be frozen but stored in a refrigerator
to extend the shelf life and freshness of the beans.
Michael L.

Senior Education Programs

If you are 55 or older, call or go to your local junior or community
college and ask about their senior education program. My local school
offers a large range of subjects from water aerobics to computers. They
offer tai chi, oil painting, self defense for seniors, tennis, wood
carving, Spanish, German, nutritional classes and much more!

You don’t get college credits for the classes, but you also don’t pay
the regular tuition rate either. Best of all, there are no tests! I had
to pay a one-time fee of $20 for a semester and I can take as many
classes as I want. I’m so excited. Now I just have to find time to squeeze
in all the classes I want to take.
Dottie

Homemade Cheese Sticks

I love cheese, so we buy it in bulk. We received a French fry cutter
for our wedding. I trim a section of cheese so that it will fit the fry
cutter and use it to make cheese sticks. They make great portable snacks
and you don’t have to buy the expensive individually wrapped ones from
the store!
Ashley D. in Maxwell, TX
Gary Foreman
The Dollar Stretcher