Household Hints
To remove contact paper from shelves or drawers, use your blowdryer. It will melt the glue and the paper should peel right off.
To clean louvered doors and window shutters, use a disposable foam paintbrush (the kind that is a sponge on a stick) to clean the hard to get at places.
Kids Stuff
After buying crayons for small children, wrap masking tape around them and they won't break as easily.
Coat metal toys with clear varnish. It prevents rust and keep the colors bright. Toys will also survive being left outside better.
Make a back yard obstacle course where the kids can crawl under lawn chairs or tunnels made from large boxes, walk or hop along a curvy garden hose, or dodge the sprinkler. To make it more difficult, have them balance something on their heads or go through the course blindfolded.
New Uses for Old Items
Roll up old newspapers and slide them into empty paper towel tubes. Great fire starters for camping or fireplaces.
Readers Tips
Cook a whole salmon in the dishwasher. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and cover with foil. Run it through a wash and rinse cycle (no soap please)and serve.
Cook scrambled eggs in a plastic zipper bag, which is a great idea when camping. Just mix the eggs ina the bag, seal, and drop into pan of boiling water. No more cooked on egg to scrub off a pan.
Keep a 2 cup freezer container in your freezer. Save any leftover vegetables with it's cooking juice and seasonings, even if it is only one tablespoon. When it is full, use these free veggies in your next casserole. You will be surprised with what you an create and the new flavors. We have not been impressed with cauliflower or asparagus in this mix. Leftover mashed potato and winter squash help to thicken a stew, as well as add flavor. To flavor cooked butternut squash, I use one tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter or marg, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and mash.