Readers' Tips

Schedule energy audits with both gas and electric companies. There is a small charge on each monthly bill that goes towards these services. They will advise you on specifics for your apartment. Also, they often will wrap your hot water heater, insulate a window or two, install a door sweep, and give you a fluorescent light bulb. By having both gas and electric energy audits, you can learn from two different perspectives and get two times the energy conservation stuff. Don't forget to stock up on a few fluorescent bulbs when they are on sale. They last much longer and use about half of the energy of regular bulbs.
Seth

more suggestions for controlling your utilities

I spilled bleach on a denim dress and was devastated. I searched for ideas all over until I saw new denim clothing at a craft show that had been hand painted. I bought some fabric paint and painted flowers and leaves over the spots. I even coordinated some areas with a flower that wasn't hit by bleach. I get more compliments on it than I can believe!
WL

more suggestions for what to do after you've spilled bleach

Keep your disposable razors in a glass cup with some mineral oil. Cover just the blade with mineral oil. This keeps the moisture from destroying the edges of the blade. The blade will last much longer. The mineral oil acts as a protective coating.

Wash the razor thoroughly before putting it in the mineral oil. Especially on dual or triple blades, you should wash between the blades. You can even use an old toothbrush to clean the head of the disposable razor. Be sure to clean between the blades.
Frank T.

I live in the north where the temperature can drop to minus 40 during the coldest months. I use fleece blankets instead of sheets. They are always toasty. I also wear wool sweaters when the weather is really cold. I usually find them at garage sales or thrift stores for very little money. The new "techno wear" gets a lot of press, but there's nothing to compare to 100 percent wool for warmth. I wear mohair and the softer wool next to my skin. For coarser wools, I wear a turtleneck underneath to prevent itching. I wash these in cold water and air dry and have never had any problem with shrinking.
SA

One time while "browning" ground beef for a casserole, I became very discouraged, as usual, with the fact that I simply couldn't break up the meat as finely as I wanted. I decided to try my old hand held potato masher. I figured it was worth trying. What a great discovery I made! It is so very, very easy to break up the meat with the masher! I just wish I had thought of it years ago! Gently but firmly press down on the handle, and give it a quick little twist. Do this several times, and I guarantee that you'll be pleased.
Judy S. of Platteville, WI

Here is a post Christmas tip that can be used next year or anytime of the year for gift giving. I have a large collection of holiday and all occasion tins that are designed for cookies and candy packaging. I have purchased these tins after Christmas and during the year for a dollar or less at my neighborhood dollar store or card shop. I also find these tins at garage sales and flea markets for 25 to 50 cents.

They are a great way to package small gifts for all occasions. With the high price of gift-wrap and ribbon, this is a real money saver. In addition, the receiver of the gift has something useful when the gift has been opened instead of throwing the wrapping away as we normally do. I packaged gloves, scarves, wallets, slippers, bath products, etc. in my tins this year. These tins come in all sizes so it's easy to find the size you need. When you are at garage sales or flea markets this summer, keep this tip in mind.
D.

I have a suggestion for paying property taxes. Put 1/12 of your total annual property tax liability into a savings account each month. When the property tax bill comes due, withdraw the appropriate sum. This way you will earn a little interest while easing your payment problem. I actually do this with all of my bills, which are not monthly. If I have the extra money, I don't withdraw it. Then if I need it, it's there.

Don't forget to include an amount for auto maintenance in your monthly savings. This way a car repair is less of a crisis! You can budget for a vacation or an appliance this way too.
DS

To keep "wet snow" from clinging on to your snow shovel while shoveling, spray your shovel first with a non-stick vegetable spray such as Pam. It enables the snow to slide off the shovel instead of packing on! It makes it a lot easier clearing those walkways and driveways without having to constantly tap the snow off the shovel! Much easier on the back!
Michele in MO

I have another take on jewelry insurance and loss. My homeowner's policy covers only $1000. After that, I would have to have a rider on my policy to cover any additional value. I was quoted a price of $12 per $1000. If you have a few expensive pieces, this could really add up, especially when you think about paying this extra money every year.

It would be less expensive to rent a safe deposit box at the bank, or even to install a safe in your home.

Also, think about the sentiment behind the jewelry. I'm sure an insurance settlement would be nice if a piece were stolen, but can you really replace grandma's ring?
Jennifer

Have you found that your sweatpants have gotten shorter after numerous cycles of washing and drying? Next time, try removing them from your machine before the final spin, hang them on a skirt or pant hanger, and let them drip dry. The weight of the water stretches the fabric back to its original length.
Sally S.

Ladies, when you grab a new razor, use it for your legs only! When it starts getting dull, use it for your underarms. Keep them in different places so you can tell them apart. By doing this, your bag of razors will last three or four times as long.
Joanne

Check out thrift stores for great furniture at great prices. I recently moved into an apartment and furnished my living room with just $40! That's right $40.

I purchased a beautiful 1920's sofa, a chair, two mahogany end tables, an entertainment center and some odds and ends. I might add that they are all in excellent condition. I have also purchased other items such as clothing (50 cent bag sales), shoes, and other household items. I never shop the malls anymore.
Michele

The January 6th issue contained an article on many uses of hydrogen peroxide. I never knew about using it to clean, and I am planning to try it right away. I can't wait! I would like to add one small fact. While peroxide is a more powerful antibacterial agent than alcohol, you will note that manufacturers of personal care products opt to include alcohol rather than hydrogen peroxide. Why? Because hydrogen peroxide begins to break down and lose effectiveness when exposed to light. (This explains the dark brown bottles.)

I have used peroxide as an astringent for years, and I swear by it. Every time I stop using it, my skin breaks out again. (I am 39 years old and still have oily, acne-prone skin!) I have found it to be very kind to my skin, yet extremely effective. Anyway, if you want to put it in a spray bottle and use it as a cleaner, be sure to use a bottle that is a dark color, rather than clear, and store it in a cabinet away from the light.
Penny S.

My dishwasher uses those expensive rinse aids that have to be added if you want the dishwasher to rinse properly. I have started using vinegar instead, and my dishes have never been cleaner!
Millie in Birmingham, Alabama

I have a new outside 1-year-old dog (Australian Shepherd). She is still very much a puppy in that she wants toys with which to play. I accidentally came across the very best toy that she has and it is free. It is an empty plastic one-gallon container. The first one has lasted three weeks now and is still going strong. It is a plastic one-gallon mayonnaise jar. Today I gave her an empty plastic milk container. It is another "new" toy to her and she plays and plays and plays. It makes noise when she's dropping and throwing it around. So much fun and FREE.
Susie

editor's note: make sure that the dog can't swallow the bottle or parts of it if it starts to break apart.

I have started using my cell phone to make local and regional calls, even if I am making the calls from home. I pay for my cell minutes whether I use them or not, which makes the local and regional calls "free." On the other hand, I have to pay for each call that I make from home, and regional calls are considered long-distance on my calling plan.
Joanne of Suffern, NY

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